Life is too Short to. . .

Life is too short to. . . what? Here are two main things that I think life is way too short to do:

• Life is too short to live in fear. As I was walking across the beach last week, I realized how quickly the waves would come up and wash my footprints away. I thought of how life is like that. Life goes away just as fast as those footprints did. James 4:14 says, "Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." Lately, I have been trying new things and have been stepping out of my comfort zone because I realize that life is to short to live in fear. Life is too short to refuse to ride a roller-coaster for fear that you will get hurt. Life is too short to fear the worst. It's just way too short to not take risks and not have fun. Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying that you should go do extremely dangerous things. I am saying that you should try to continue to grow and to venture out of your comfort zone. In one of my favorite movies, A Cinderella Story, there is a quote that I think sums up what I am trying to say: "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game."

• Life is too short to focus on the future. I am so guilty of doing this. I get so wrapped up in what is to come, that I forget to enjoy the things right in front of me. I was reminded of this when I was looking for seashells on the beach, and I kept looking far ahead of me where someone else was looking, instead of looking for some right where I was. I have learned the importance of focusing on what is in front of me, instead of ahead, or even behind. It is so difficult to do sometimes. Essentially, you have to find a good balance of glancing at the future, remembering the past, and focusing on the present. Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." 

What do you think life is too short to do?

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11 Favorite Fall Outfits from Last Year

Last year, I created some pretty cute outfits, if I do say so myself. So, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite Fall outfits that I wore last year.

Polka Dots and Plum

Pink and Grey Monday

Plaid and Camel

Take the Leap

Good Juxtapositions

Brights for Winter

Turquoise and Peach

PMT Style Challenge: Copy an Outfit You Pinned

Mustard and Navy

Coral and Bright Blue

Edgy Cute

This is kind of a photo heavy post, but these aren't even all of the outfits that I wore last Fall. I am noticing a trend here, are you? In almost all of these outfits, I am wearing my beloved brown boots. All the more reason why I need brown ankle booties. Also, I almost always wore those medium wash jeans. I think that it is really helpful to review what I wore last year so that I make sure not to get into a rut like I did with my brown boots and medium wash jeans.

Which look is your favorite? Do you tend to get into clothing ruts? What are they and how do you get out?

See where I link up here.

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White After Labor Day

Happy Monday! Over this past week, I was on Edisto Island in South Carolina. More about that on Friday. On to the outfit:

Outfit details: 

Dress: Old Navy (exact, similar)

Cardigan: Target (similar, similar)

Shoes: Ross (exact, similar)

Bracelet: Charming Charlie (similar, similar)

Bangle: Wal-Mart (similar, similar)

Watch: Charming Charlie (exact, similar)

There are some fashion rules that I absolutely won't break like don't wear socks with sandals, or overalls can't ever be chic, and some others. That being said, there are a good many fashion rules that I will break. For instance: not mixing prints, or navy and black don't match, or petite women can't wear maxi skirts and dresses, or don't wear white after Labor Day, etc. 

I am a firm believer that (some) fashion rules are meant to be broken, especially never wearing white after Labor Day. I think that as long as you keep the rest of your outfit looking like Fall, or even Winter, then you are good. White after Labor Day can totally work if you keep most of your outfit like Fall.

What fashion rule(s) are you willing to break? What do you think about white after Labor Day?

See where I link up here.

High Five for Friday: Fall Wishlist Edition

Hooray for Friday! Instead of my regular Friday post, I decided to do a Fall wishlist edition of my normal High Five for Friday post. Here are five things that are on my Fall wishlist:

1. These ankle boots. I have been wanting/needing some brown ankle boots, and these look perfect. Except for the price tag. If you like these, you better snatch them up now while they are on sale for $44.99. The regular price for these babies is $79.99!

2. Palazzo pants. I have been looking for the perfect pair for forever, but I just haven't bought any yet. These are super cute, and they are on sale for only $19.99.

                            

3. A tunic or two. I am always on the hunt for another tunic. I have a few, but every year, I just can't seem to add enough to my closet. I am completely in love with this windowpane one from Old Navy!

4. Sneakers. For a while there, I was on the fence about getting some sneakers, but once I found these super cheap ones from Target, I was sold.

5. Anything from the Lauren Conrad Runway collection. I have always loved Lauren Conrad, so I knew that I would love her Runway collection, but I didn't know that I would love it this much! I love and want each and every one of the pieces in the collection. Here are a couple looks from the collection: 

I hope you have a delightful weekend!

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4 Ways to Style a Little Black Dress | Garay Treasures

Today, Rachel over at Garay Treasures is guest posting for me as my week is going to be a bit busy. I found out about Rachel through her weekly link-up. She has a great sense of style, and a heart for the Lord. I look forward to her post every day. Be sure to hop on over to her and check her awesome blog out!

My name is Rachel and I blog over at Garay Treasures, and I am honored to be guest posting for Sarah today. I am a fashion and lifestyle blog that mixes fashion, my daily life and my love for the Lord Jesus Christ. I blog because I have a passion to inspire and be inspired myself. Through my blog and meeting so many people who inspire me I have felt truly blessed. Sarah has been one of those to definitely inspire and bless me. Sarah and I have a similar style (casual, pretty and comfortable), going on and we both love to blog about what inspires us and point out our love in the Lord and what He is teaching us or showing us. So I thank Sarah for having me today as I share with you 4 ways I have styled a Little Black dress.

I picked this Calvin Klein Little Black Dress out at a local Goodwill (see similar here) a few months back for an event I wanted to look nice at and so while I wore it once in the photo above, I had actually lost it for months but didn't know how else to actually style it. I wanted something more than just monochromatic black so when I found this dress hidden away months later in a basket I pulled it out and tried 3 other ways to style it, to relive and love it like the day I first got it.

 I added color, with pops of pink (see post here) on a date night with my hubby.

 

With a chambray button up top, glasses and leopard print shoes for pre-fall wear (see post here)

To a fun printed Kimono and ankle booties for fall, see post here.

I can't wait to wear and share this dress some more through out the seasons. How do you style a Little Black Dress? How will you style a Little Black Dress for the Fall? Again, thank you Sarah for having me by today, you can follow my blog the following ways: Facebook, Bloglovin, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. * Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links so every click you make allows me to make a few cents.

Be sure to head over to Garay Treasures and check out her other fabulous posts! Also, be sure to check out Tif's guest post from Monday!

See where I link up here.

Fall Makeup Additions That Won't Break the Bank | Bright on a Budget

Today, Tif from Bright on a Budget is guest posting for me since my week is going to be a bit busy. I met Tif through her High Five for Friday link-up. I love her blog! She has awsome make-up tips and a great sense of style. I look forward to her posts. Be sure to hop on over to her blog and check out some of her great posts! Thanks, Tif!

This post contains affiliate links. Today's guest blogger is Tif from Bright on a Budget.

If you're like me, you're a little sad to see summer go but really excited for fall!  I've really been anticipating fall fashion, but I'm also looking forward to switching up my makeup routine some too.  That said, I don't want to spend a lot of money on new makeup.  Here's my picks for fall makeup additions that won't break the bank (clockwise from top lefthand corner):

1. Bare Minerals Work, Weekend, Wow READY Eyeshadow Palette: This is the most expensive item on the list at $26, but it is an amazing palette!  I love Bare Minerals eyeshadow, and this palette has a great range of colors.  Plus, it's a great value for the price!  The big eyeshadow to the left is great to use on your browbone and corner of your eye.  Then, think of each top and bottom shade as a set. . .use the top shade for your lid and bottom shade for your crease. Boom--3 completely different eye makeup looks!

 2. NYX High Voltage Lip Color: I was all about BRIGHT lip colors this summer, but now I want a deep lip color.  These NYX lip colors are perfect.  The top shade is "Wine & Dine" and the bottom shade is "Burleque".  Either shade would be perfect paired with a nude eye and black eyeliner!

3. Sonia Kashuk Beautifying Blush in Pink: I was recently on the hunt for a new blush and was shocked at the prices I saw while looking around!  At under $10, this blush is a gorgeous shade.  I've never met a Sonia Kashuk product I haven't liked.  If you're in the market for some good makeup brushes at awesome prices, check out her line.  And right now, Target has a deal where you get $5 off when you spend $20 on makeup (see Target's website for details). 

4. Avon Big & False Lash Volume Mascara: One of my best friends is an Avon lady, and she handed off a tube of this mascara to me on Saturday.  It's awesome!  I love how you can really build the product on your lashes.  It's also reapplies well if your heading out for the evening after being at the office all day.

5. L'Oreal Color Riche La Palette Nude in Nude 1: If you've been wanting to hop on the nude eye makeup trend but haven't wanted to shell out the money for an Urban Decay palette, then this is for you!  There's so many different eyeshadow combinations that you can create from just this one palette, and it comes with a brush!  It's an all-around win.

The best thing about all of these products is that they can all be used together!  Sometimes you just need a completely different look, and these any or all of these products can spice things up for fall.

Thanks, Sarah, for inviting me to guest post!

Tif  is an attorney, mom, and dedicated bargain hunter blogging about style, beauty, and life at Bright on a Budget.  She is also one of the co-hosts of the High Five for Friday weekly linkup.  You can follow her on Instagram, Bloglovin', or GFC, or get to know her a little better here.

See where I link up here.

High Five for Friday: Recent Loves Editon

Happy Friday, folks! Today I am changing up my routine a bit and am doing a recent loves edition of my regular High Five for Friday post.

1. This dress. Not only is this dress Marsala, which is my favorite color for Fall, but it is also just a really cute dress that I know will be perfect for Fall.

2. This quote. I found it on Twitter the other day and it really inspired me. And it's just really pretty, too.

3. Lately, the weather has been absolutely perfect. You have no idea how much I am enjoying it. The highs have been in the low 80's, and the lows have been in the low 60's. This kind of weather is my favorite. Let me tell you; it has been glorious.

4. Great deals and great purchases. You know that I love a good deal. As of late, there have been some pretty nice sales going on and I've made a couple of great purchases. By the way, there is a 10% off coupon code to one of my favorite stores, eShakti, valid until October 14 here.

5. This post from Whitney over at Polka-Dotty Place. Not only did I love her post, but I also loved some of the other ladies' posts that they linked up here.

That's all! I hope you enjoyed this out of the norm post and I hope you have a great and restful weekend!

See where I party here.

Wear Now, Wear Later: Pencil Skirt and Floral Top

Happy Wednesday, y'all! Today, I thought I would do a Wear Now, Wear Later post. Here is how I styled a pencil skirt and floral top to wear now, and later:

Now

Outfit details:

Top: Kohl's (similar, similar)

Skirt: (similar, similar)

Shoes: Ross (exact, similar)

Bracelet: Charming Charlie (similar, similar)

This outfit is one that I have had in my head for a while, but haven't actually worn it yet. I just love the way that the coral looks with the gold and khaki. 

Later

Here is how I would wear this pencil skirt and this top for Fall:

Outfit details:

Top: Kohl's (similar, similar)

Skirt: (similar, similar)

Shoes: Target (similar, similar)

Jacket: Old Navy (exact, similar)

Scarf: Charming Charlie (similar, similar)

Photography by Allie D

Okay. This outfit is crazy pattern mix. I can't even believe that it doesn't clash. I was going to wear an ivory scarf with this, but I couldn't find it, so I wore this one instead. I love the result even though I didn't think that it would even work. I really like this outfit! I will definitely be wearing it when it gets cooler.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever had to change an outfit, but it ended up looking great? Tell me in the comments! I'd love to hear from you!

See where I link up here.

The Perfect Skirt + a gift for ALL my readers!

Happy Tuesday, y'all! Today, I have another outfit post for you plus an exciting gift! Read on to see what it is.

Outfit details:

Top: Ann Taylor (similar, similar)

Skirt: c/o eShakti

Sweater (similar, similar)

Shoes: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Bracelet: Premier Designs (similar, similar)

Photography by Allie D

I love mint and navy together, so when I was contacted by eShakti to review one of their products, and I picked this skirt, I knew that I had to wear this mint top with it. They look like they are made to go together.

eShakti is an online clothing store that designs their clothes, but the customer can customize the pieces. eShakti also allows you to buy set sizes (like 4, 8, 10, etc.) or you can have them even more customized by entering your measurements. 

This skirt is actually meant for the hemline to end at the top of your knee, but I preferred it a little bit longer, so I was able to change the length of the hem. I wish I had entered my measurements, but for some reason, I opted for the standard sizes. I think that entering your measurements is the best way since it makes your piece completely customized to your body size.

I just love the way that this skirt fits. I adore the pretty pattern, and I like how it is high-waisted. Also, the quality of this skirt is exceptional! The material is thick enough, but it isn't super heavy. It's breathable.

Below are some pieces from eShakti that I just can't wait to get my hands on:

This top is so cute! I love everything about this blouse! Easily, it can be worn many ways. This is going in my shopping cart right now.

When I spotted this checked shirt dress online, I could not stop from gushing over it. I think it is so pretty, and could be worn a multitude of ways.

This dress has such a fun, interesting print! I love it as a maxi dress, but you can also get it in mini, above knee, knee, below knee, mid-calf, and ankle lengths.

There are so many other pieces that I want, too, but I couldn't put them all on here, so I just highlighted my absolute favorites.

Are you drooling over these, too? eShakti was kind enough to offer each and every one of you a 10% off coupon code. The code is: "mybowsandclothes". This coupon is valid from today through to October 14th. This code has to be entered into the "promotional code" box. Also, it can be combined with any other promotional offer, but clearance. 

You can also keep track of what goes on at eShakti on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

What are your thoughts?

I was sent this skirt in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as I really do love eShakti.

See where I link up here.

The Fall Transition Outfit I Can't Stop Wearing

Outfit details:

Top: Kohl's (similar, similar)

Jeans: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Shoes: Kohl's (similar, similar)

Photography by Allie D

Lately, I feel like all I wear is flowy tops, cuffed skinny jeans, and wedges. I can't tell you how many times I have worn a version of this outfit. This is my Fall transition uniform. Sometimes I add a cardigan too if it's a little chilly outside.

Usually, around all season transitions, I develop a uniform. I think that my winter to spring/summer (because our spring here is approximately 3 weeks long) uniform this past year was super similar to uniform I can't stop wearing now.

Do you develop uniforms? If so, what are they?

See where I link up here.