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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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 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)

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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)

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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)

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 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: One Dress From Work to Play

For the fashionista who lives a professional lifestyle from 9-5, and an active social life after hours, finding the perfect piece to make the transition from work to happy hour seamless is no easy feat. If this sounds like you, a tailored dress in a a great color and a figure-flattering shape will do the trick. Check out how I take this Casey Peplum Dress ($178.00) from Ivy & Blu Maggy Boutique, from work to play:

The Work Look

Depending on how corporate your office is, a simple well-tailored peplum dress is a great option for girls with curves. What's great about a dress like this is its versatility. You can wear it under a suit jacket or just by itself. The ruffle detailing on the front makes it unique and the v-shaped neckline is flattering without being too revealing for the office.

Pair the look with simple, yet functional accessories like black pumps (Steve Madden, similar here for only $42) and a leather carryall (Zara, similar here). Makeup is minimal with a lined eye and a neutral lip!

The Play Look

To spice things up for nighttime, pack a change of shoes and your favorite statement clutch.

Adding in a bright-colored clutch and printed peep-toe heels takes the look from corporate to cocktail.

As for makeup, I added a matching pink lip - MAC's Girl About Town ($15), to complete the look.

Dress c/o Ivy & Blu Maggy Boutique ($178.00) | Shoes: Nine West (similar here) | Clutch: Nordstrom Rack (similar here) | Watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova | Cuff c/o Stella & Dot | Lips: MAC "Girl About Town"

How do YOU take your work look from day to night? Leave a style tip in the comments section.

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: Parkside Polka

This is another summer oldie that I pulled out of hiding. I normally shy away from polka dots because they've been rumored to draw attraction to curves (kind of like stripes) but with a figure flattering silhouette and a great heel, they really work!

You guys know I adore anything with Navajo print. I picked up this amazing little sack on my trip to Ecuador last October.

Invited my favorite snake charmer from Stella & Dot to my arm party. 

Dress: H&M (similar here) | Shoes: Nine West (similar here) | Bag: Ecuador Street Vendor (similar here) | Chain: Joe Fresh (similar here) | Watch: Michael Kors | Bangles: Various 

Photos by Sharifa S. Daniels

Get The Look:

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Funky in Florals

It's here! We're smack dab in the middle of April and summer is right around the corner (hopefully). To kick off the amazing season - my inaugural spring ensemble; bright, funky and fancy-free florals!

This outfit is one of my absolute faves. Why, you ask? Because I dug alot of these amazing duds up from my local vintage shop. I normally don't find jumpers that fit my shape very well. But I lucked out with this one...

One of my tricks for creating shape in a vintage piece that might appear frumpy - cinch your ensemble at the waist with a belt. Gives your body some contour, AND it can make an outfit that would be otherwise too baggy, fit like a glove...

I guess my biggest rule of thumb when it comes to personal style is to be comfortable and happy in anything I throw on. The more comfortable I am, the more confident I feel. It always shows...

Oh the power of accessories. These H&M bracelets are my favorite this season. I wear them with pretty much anything and everything. I mean, why not?

I'm not a beauty expert but when I find products I like, I tend to stick with them. Some of my fave beauty products include MAC Sheer Foundation, Urban Decay eyeshadows, Covergirl Outlash mascara and Lancome Juicy Tubes lipgloss.

Floral Jumper: Vintage, Bracelets: H&M, Belt & Bag: Vintage, Shoes: Nine West