Middle of Somewhere

August 10, 2016

How To Make The Most of The End of Summer With Groupon

This post is sponsored and has been compensated by Groupon. All opinions are my own.

I know I’m not alone when I say that I can’t believe that summer is almost over! I feel like now that I have a child, the months seem to fly by even quicker than they did before. This summer has been so much fun so far, and I’m happy to say that it’s definitely not over yet in the fun department. In a few weeks some of our closest friends will be coming to visit us from San Jose, CA and a week after that I will be going to San Diego for a bachelorette party weekend! Whether I am here in Albuquerque, or planning a trip somewhere else, I am always on the hunt to find new things to do that won’t cost a ton. I have always been a fan of Groupon, and recently shared my love for Groupon Coupons with you. I also love checking out Groupon Things To Do to find inexpensive ways to find new activities or ideas for a date night! Some of my favorite local purchases have allowed me to try out different restaurants and new fitness classes (mind you, the fitness classes were definitely pre-baby!). In order to enjoy the last few weeks of summer, here are a few ideas that will help you make the most of it:

1. Go on a distillery tour with your significant other and your best couple friends

2. Take a hot air balloon ride! Albuquerque is most famously known for the International Balloon Fiesta that always occurs in October, however it’s usually pretty chilly here by that time of year. The end of summer would be the perfect time to go on hot air balloon ride.

3. Head out for glow in the dark mini golf. You could go with the whole family, or check it out for a fun date night activity.

4. Take a canvas and coffee class with your besties.

5. Go wine tasting on a Saturday afternoon. The end of summer is the perfect time for wine tasting because the temperatures have (hopefully) begun to cool down, which makes it so much easier to enjoy walking through the vineyards.

How do you plan to make the most of the rest of your summer?

August 9, 2016

Getting Ready For Fall

Lately I feel like we have been getting a little taste of fall because it has been so overcast in the evenings here. We have even been getting a lot of rain, which has been a nice departure from the 100 degree temperatures we have been having all summer! I was so excited to finally get a chance to wear one of my favorite Nordstrom sale picks – these perforated ankle boots. Not surprisingly, these boots sold out super fast during the sale, but it looks like currently they have been restocked and are still available in select sizes. Lucky Brand also came out with another perforated style bootie that is super cute. I have my eye on the gray pair and would love to add them to my closet! Ankle boots are by far my favorite thing to wear throughout the end of summer and into the fall.

What are some of your favorite summer to fall transition pieces?

Wearing:

Old Navy Cutout Tank

Old Navy Rockstar Jeans

Lucky Brand Perforated Bootie (only a few sizes available; almost identical perforated pair here)

Gray Monroe Clutch

Prada Sunglasses via Ditto (use code MIDDLEOFSOMEWHERE for your first month free)

Loren Hope Sarra Cuff

Gorjana Necklace (on sale for under $30!)

P.S. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to link up your favorite little black dress post with Megan from Fashionista Momma and I for our first ever The Monthly Style Edit link up.

August 5, 2016

Little Black (Maxi) Dress

TGIF! I have actually been looking forward to this Friday for awhile now because the day has finally come that Megan from the Fashionista Momma and I are launching our new monthly style link up. I have been a big fan of Megan and her blog since meeting her via one of my favorite Facebook groups – Fab Female Bloggers. This year I have really been working hard to grow my blog and Facebook groups have been a huge part of that. They have not only helped me grow as a blogger, but I have also developed some wonderful friendships with some amazing ladies (I’m also looking at you, Katie). I have always been really big on participating in other bloggers link ups, so I hope joining us for The Monthly Style Edit will be something that you will enjoy joining us on each month. The theme for August is the classic little black dress. I decided to put my own spin on a LBD by wearing this cold shoulder maxi from Pink Blush. Pink Blush has always been a go-to brand of mine (last seen here), and this dress is no exception. I am pretty tempted to pick this striped version up next! I am dying to see how you style your LBD, so make sure to link up at the bottom of this post!

Wearing:

Pink Blush Cold Shoulder Maxi Dress

dv for Target Sandals

Karen Walker Sunglasses via Ditto (use code MIDDLEOFSOMEWHERE for your first month free)

Mama Bear Necklace c/o Littlefield Lane

Kendra Scott Earrings via Rocksbox (use code LINDSAYBFF37 to get your first month free)

Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB (old, found one on sale for $88! and the all white version here)

August 2, 2016

Your Last Chance to Shop the #NSALE: Still in Stock Picks

By now you’ve seen my picks that are all under $100, my clothing favorites under $50, as well as my beauty exclusive favorites under $50 from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I promise this will be my last #NSale post, and I’ve saved the best for last because all of these items are still in stock and most come in multiple colors! I have a feeling I might be have to order a few more of these items before the week is over because I have such a hard time passing up a good deal. A lot of items sold out so quickly, but periodically return in select sizes. There are a few items that I sadly missed out on, and am hoping they bring them back even after the sale is over so I can pick them up. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ends this week on the 8th, so I would highly recommend picking up your picks before the prices go up!

James Perse Cutout Midi Dress – Vince Camuto Leopard Shoulder Bag – Bobbi Brown Pink Lips Set – NARS Cheek Palette

Lush V-Neck Blouse – BP Faux Leather Drawstring Tote – Sam Edelman ‘Tonia’ Spike Pump – Frye Leather Riding Boot

Treasure&Bond Split Hem Sweater – Hudson Skinny Jeans – Tahari Hooded Anorak – BLANKNYC Faux Leather Moto Jacket

Like I said, I promise I won’t talk about the sale anymore after today. I am dying to know what you picked up from the sale though! Also, be sure to check back on Friday, as I’ll be teaming up with Megan from the Fashionista Momma for our first ever Monthly Style Edit link up! I am so excited to be working with her and to share this with you all! Our theme for the month of August will be your favorite black dress, so get those posts ready to join us.

July 28, 2016

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Favorites Under $50

LORAC Eye & Cheek Palette – MAC Nude Lip & Eye Kit – Clinique Moisturizing Lotion Duo

Mario Badescu Set – Deborah Lippmann Set – MAC Red Lip & Eye Kit

Voluspa Two-Wick Tin Candle Trio –Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Set – bareMinerals Set

Another day, another Nordstrom sale post. I am trying not to be too overwhelming with my posts since they’re pretty much every where you turn in the blog world. It really is shocking to me though how many amazing deals there are during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! You may remember that I already shared my clothing and accessory favorites under $50, so today I wanted to stop in and share my beauty favorites that are under $50 as well. The fact that there are multiple MAC lip and eye kits at such an amazing price (less than $40!) is super exciting. MAC has always been an absolute favorite of mine, and I’m a little embarrassed to admit the ridiculous stash I have collected over the years. I’m certainly no beauty blogger, but I am a sucker for beauty exclusives and a good deal. I recently received a $10 Nordstrom note that is good until August 7th, so you know that means I have to do just a little bit more #NSale shopping!

What have you picked up from the sale so far?

July 26, 2016

Style Tips for Tall and Curvy Girls

I would definitely say my style has changed since having a baby. Certainly, I have a few more curves now than I did before! I have always considered myself to be curvy, long before I got pregnant and had a baby. My size in clothing has ranged from a 6 to a 12 for as long as I can remember. I definitely have never been a size 2, or anywhere close.

I’ve had my set of challenges throughout the years learning how to dress in a way that is flattering for my body type. Not only do I have to consider my large bust, but also wide hips and not-so-skinny legs. If you’re like me, you are also tall, which can bring about a whole new level of difficulty when getting dressed. I originally wrote this as a guest post in XO Kerry’s Stylish Mama series, but also wanted to publish here to share some style tips for tall and curvy girls that I’ve learned over the years on dressing your curves.

1. Midi dresses for the win – Midi dresses are pretty much perfect, no matter what height you are. Maxi dresses can be tricky if you’re on the shorter or taller end of the spectrum because you run the risk of them being the wrong length. Short dresses don’t always work well for us tall girls because they’re a little too short. Honestly, short dresses really do not work for me at all. I am clearly on the taller side (I’m about 5’10”), so midi dresses usually hit me right below the knee.

2. Try a wrap dress with a bold print – It’s no surprise that a wrap dress can be one of the most flattering cuts for any woman. No matter what size you are they look great. I love the idea of a wrap dress with a bold print. It creates a slimming effect and helps distribute the focus to the dress as a whole, rather than one specific body part or area. A wrap dress is perfect if you have a larger bust as well. They are also usually nursing friendly, which is a bonus for me!

3. Opt for long length denim – Old Navy and Gap are my absolute go-to brands when it comes to buying jeans. They are very reasonably priced and are usually on sale. I have found that their tall length is perfect for me! Also, I love that they also offer curvy styles. I find that a dark wash is typically the most flattering and makes my legs look a lot slimmer than when I wear a lighter wash.

4. Patterns are your new best friend – A lot of times when a woman has a large bust or is curvy, she tends to stray away from bold prints and patterns. I think the fear is that it will draw too much attention. I feel like a great pattern can help draw attention away from any one particular body part. It creates visual interest, and allows you to not have to worry about piling on the accessories!

If you’re a fellow tall or curvy girl, what are some of your style tips?