Confessions of a Shopaholic: Memorial Day Sales

Happy Memorial Day everyone! This weekend is such a special time. It's a time for expressing appreciation for the fallen soldiers that have fought for our beautiful country. And it also marks the official beginning of summer - woot! Whether you're spending it with friends & family, away on vacay or poolside for a BBQ, I hope you all are enjoying yourselves.

Memorial Day weekend also means MAJOR summer sales. So you'll either love me or hate me for this, but here are some Memorial Day sales you just can't pass up:

ASOS (20% OFF)

Click above for ASOS.com

You guys know how obsessed I am with ASOS. They have sales that roll out literally every other week and Memorial Day is no exception. Scoop up an additional 20% off their low prices with code TAKE20 at checkout!

Macy's (Storewide SALE plus 15% OFF)

Click for Macys.com

If all else fails, we all know Macy's will be having a sale, no matter what holiday it is. For Memorial Day, they've slashed prices storewide and are giving an additional 15% OFF all merchandise using promo code SAVE at checkout.

Old Navy (Summer Sale + 15% OFF Everything)

Click above for OldNavy.com

I'm a huge fan of Old Navy for their staples. I head there for plain tees and jeans I know will fit (love their Diva cut jeans, they fit me like a glove!) For the holiday, they're giving 15% OFF everything with code ONSUMMER

Nine West (Buy One Get One 50% OFF)

Click above for NineWest.com

 Who doesn't want two pairs of shoes for the price of one and a half?

Nine West is hosting their annual BOGO sale - perfect time to stock up on comfortable summer sandals at affordable prices!

Topshop (20% OFF Select Merchandise)

Click above for Topshop.com

Topshop brings London chic, stateside with cute and trendy items like denim jumpers and killer heels.

They're giving 20% OFF for the holiday - head there now and stock up!

Forever 21 (FREE Shipping)

Click above for Forever21.com

Forever21 is doing FREE shipping for the holiday! Not only can you stock up on cheap summer essentials, but you don't have to pay a dime to have them dropped off on your doorstep.

J.Crew (30% OFF Sale Items)

Click above for JCrew.com

 I'm obsessed with J.Crew baubles. They have the best staple work-to-play pieces and amazing statement jewelry. Save an extra 30% off their sale items this weekend.

Happy Shopping!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Polka Player

The weather is warming up - time to show a little leg! 

My personal style rule is only to flaunt one asset at a time. So when the limbs are on display, the arms and cleavage are tucked away.

I've really grown to appreciate my legs. I used to hate them. In this outfit post "Long Walk", I talked a little about how self-conscious I used to be about wearing shorts.

Now that I've grown more confident in my body type, you can't tell me anything. *flips hair*

I mixed prints for this look rocking a polka dotted pair of shorts and an ankara fabric clutch.

This is the same Della x Urban Outfitters clutch/wallet that was gifted to me in celebration of the collection launch. You can read more about the collection HERE.

The fitted cap and army fatigue jacket make this look a little less girly.

Always sporting a colorful arm party.

Jacket: Vintage | Top: H&M | Shorts: Forever 21 Plus | Shoes: Zara | Clutch c/o Urban Outfitters | Cap: Buffalo Exchange | Cuff c/o Stella & Dot | Bangles: Street Vendor | Necklace: Forever 21 | Watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova

Get The Look:

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Parkside Layers

You guys probably remember this tweed cape from my Harlem Daze post last year. Yes, this winter it made a reappearance. It's probably one of my absolute favorite Zara purchases. Because it's not as thick, I end up having to do some heavy layering when I wear it.

This Urban Outfitters Deena + Ozzy handbag has been holding me down since October. I picked it up on one of my shopping sprees to Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta when I visited. It was on sale! From $79.99 to $39.99. I wanted to squeal. Y'all know I love a good steal.

I've been more into wine/plum lips for the winter months as opposed to bright red. I'll be putting together a post of my favorites soon. The one I'm wearing above is Makeup Forever Aqua Rouge in Raspberry ($24.00). It's super longwear so I can go out for dinner, drinks and more and not a smudge. It's like magic or something. Also, if you're following me on Instagram (@LoveBrownSugar), you've probably seen me posting pics of my new winter protective style. I have extensions from Indique Hair in Bounce Deep Wavy mixed with Bounce Coil Curl. I love the volume. Feeling like Auntie Diana Ross these days (*3 snaps in a Z formation*).

Cape: Zara (similar here from Macy's) | Blouse: Forever 21 | Pants: Old Navy | Boots: Nine West (similar here) | Bag: Urban Outfitters (similar here) | Cuff: c/o Stella & Dot | Necklace & Ring: Street Vendor | Watch: Michael Kors

Photos by Sharifa S. Daniels

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Sneak Peak

Sneakers, fitted caps and backpacks. Yes, I'm about that Tomboy life this season. As a "girly girl" who normally wouldn't be caught dead without a flouncy skirt and platform wedges on, this is a true testament to the versatility of personal style.

Although I'll never give up on my A-line skirts, dresses or my heels, this winter I'm saving room for boyish staples I otherwise wouldn't be caught dead in.

Why? Because I can. And why the hell not? Our grade school favorites have been given an adult upgrade.

 Trends are all about embracing them with your own personal stamp. So here's mine.

Blazer: Vintage (similar) | Dress: H&M (similar) | Bag: Vintage (similar) | Sneaker Wedges: Forever 21 (similar) | Nameplate: Shame on Jane (similar here for under $90) | Spike Bracelet: c/o t+j Designs | Ring: c/o Stella & Dot | Bangles: Street Vendor | Watch: Michael Kors

Get The Complete Look:

What grade school staples are you embracing this season? Soundoff below!

- Photography by Sharifa S. Daniels

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Back to Cool

Seeing as the weather has already started to change up here in NYC, it's about that time for me to retire these summer dresses and ease into my Fall wardrobe...

The "Back to School" season used to be my absolute favorite time of the year. New teachers, new classes, new clothes. I would get SO excited. And every year, my Mom bought me a new backpack. Fall just didn't feel real without a new backpack.

I wore this one on the first day of NYFW and through Fashion's Night Out. Best decision I ever made. It's okay to pull from retro classics every once in a while to update your look.

Another thing I love about the season's changing is how nature responds. Obsessed with leaves and trees - can you tell?

Dress: Zara | Backpack: Forever 21 | Shoes: Steve Madden | Cuff & Ring: c/o Stella & Dot | Necklace: Street Vendor | Watch: Michael Kors

What were your Fall staples as a child? Would you ever bring them back?

Get The Look:

LoveBrownSugar Chic: NYFW S/S 2013 Day 1

Sigh. This week has been so busy I haven't even had a chance to take outfit photos. The horror! Here's a quick glimpse of my outfit if choice for Day 1 of NYFW:

I rocked this outfit because A) It was functional (chunky wedges are NECESSARY during NYFW and especially during Fashion's Night Out) and b) I don't normally mix prints. So instead of playing it safe, I thought I would set the bar high for day one and try something new. At the prodding of my buddy Jessica of Glamazons Blog, I decided to pair polka dots, lace, leopard and quilted leather "at the same damn time." C) I LOVE this backpack. I live in it. Shoutout to my school days!

Top: Forever 21 (only $20!) | Shorts: H&M (similar here) | Shoes: Forever 21 | Bag: Forever 21 | Necklace c/o Stella & Dot | Snake Cuff: H&M | Ring: Street Vendor

Thoughts? Would you try mixing prints?

Get The Look:

Instaweek 8.27

Happy Monday! I had quite an active week and weekend. Here's what I got into:

- I'm still on the Whole 30 grind. I had a couple of weekend snafoos, but I'm still going strong with my veggie omelettes (no cheese!) and my Jamba smoothies. The plan definitely gets easier as time passes.

- I took a trip to Forever 21 this weekend to start stocking up on trendy & budget-friendly pieces for fall. I stumbled on the dress above left and wasn't sure if I should take it home, so I didn't. Weigh in below if you think I should head back and get it.

- This past weekend, I had the pleasure of participating in a photoshoot with some of my favorite natural-haired gurus. Had SO much fun! Popular Youtube vlogger Taren Guy participated in the shoot as well. We spent the whole day after our shoot hanging at the Afropunk Festival in BK which was a blast!

Taken from Taren's Instagram (@TarenGuy)

There's only one official weekend left in summer - how sad is that? Let's make the most of this upcoming week folks! Tell me what's on your summer bucket list!

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Pretty in Paisley

We decided to switch up the scenery this week. There's a beautiful 19th century construction in the neighborhood that we couldn't take our eyes off of. 

 It's like a little slice of Europe in New York. I distinctly remember posing in front of a church similar to this one in Florence.

These jewels were gifted to me via House of Harlow (the cuff) and Bom Bom Jewelry (the ring). Nail polish color is Essie Bright Tights.

This red lip is Covergirl Lip Perfection. I spill the beans on The Perfect Red Lip (HERE).

Dress: Forever 21 (circa 2006? really old. similar here for under $15) | Shoes: ALDO (similar here) | Handbag: Vintage | Cuff: c/o House of Harlow | Ring: c/o Bom Bom Jewelry | Watch: Michael Kors | Necklace: Joe Fresh (similar here)

Photos by Sharifa S. Daniels

Get The Look: