Guest Post: How To Style a Black Top by Aunie

Today you are in for a SAUCY little treat!

That's right, I've got the one and only Annelise from Aunie Sauce and she's taking over All Things Lovely today to share some sweet styling tips. So sit back, grab your notebook and take notes because she's going to leave you swooning over these outifts! 

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Hello lovely ladies! 

My name is Annelise and I blog over at the little blog called Aunie Sauce.

I'm the girl who is "not." NOT a mom. NOT a graphic designer. NOT a

baker. So, what am I? 

A 20-something swanky Idahoan who blogs about

faith, personal style, and daily shenanigans. 

Let's just say, Aunie Sauce is NOT your average blog.

Even though I've got a whole bunch of not's going on, I did mention I blog about my personal style, right? 

Today I want to introduce you to my favorite staple in my closet: the black top.

Whether it's a tank, tee, lace, chiffon, button-up, or cardigan... I just love black.

Even more than that? 

I love accessorizing black. 

 Here are 3 quick tips to making your black tops pop this summer!

1. Add a jean jacket or chambray top.

Jean jackets, though casual, can really class-up an outfit.

Take the jacket above, for example.

It's actually a blazer, and definitely makes this a look that can go to the office, or out on the town to sip on margaritas or rock your socks at a music festival.

2. Toss on a bright scarf

Now, while my boyfriend isn't the biggest fan of scarves

(he says scarves are for winter-time),

I think they are just plain awesome. 

They add a pop of color, they can hide a stain (messy? me?),

and if worn long and low they can make you look slimmer, too. 

Imagine that!

3. Opt for a high-waisted skirt and tuck that black top in!

Want to make your waist look nice and tiny while still rockin' some sweet summer-color? 

A nice high-waisted skirt, funky necklace, and printed cardigan can do the trick!

Black tops are so versatile.

You really can style them any way you want.

You can tuck them into some skinnies and wrap yourself in a funky belt.

You can toss on a vest and be good to go.

Don't forget about adding statement necklaces for a big pop of flair!

The possibilities are endless!

I hope you enjoyed my little how to style a black top post!

Don't forget to come visit me to read more about my personal style, faith, love life, or general sauce! 

See you soon!

Clothing // Jacket: Express (similar here) // Top: Nordstrom Rack // Shorts: Nordstrom Rack // Necklace: Premier Design // Scarf: TJ Maxx // Shoes: Steve Madden

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.auniesauce.com" title="aunie SAUCE" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/ADriflot/Annelise%20Buttons/as200x300-1.png" alt="aunie SAUCE" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

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Isn't she just precious?! I told y'all you were in for a treat! BIG thank you to Aunie for stopping by today.

How would you style your black top?

The Girl Behind The Blog: A Little More

Wahhhh! 

The Girl Behind The Blog- A Little More

This is my first ever Vlog, so I'm super nervous and for some reason my voice sounds extremely nasally. I wonder if this is how I sound in real life? Anyways. Enjoy! 

Bah! I'm such a nerd. 
I hope you still love me <3

- M

Thank You.

{ Via }

Today has just been one of those days...

You know, the kind where your pants are fitting snug around your belly when last week they were getting loose, where you have one of those typical intern days that everyone always tells me about, and where you need your best friend (or at least one of them) to just lay next to on the ground and vent to.

But right now I'm having one of those surreal moments where I realize that they're not around and I feel strangely...lonely. With one bestie thousands of miles away in New York and two more that are hundreds of miles away in Houston and Austin. And ya know what? It's hard. A girl needs her best girls around! 

Truth? This is one of the reasons I started blogging in the first place and why I cherish the beauties I get to meet around this crazy huge blogosphere. So I guess what I'm trying to say is, to all of you beautiful ladies who open up your world to me and other fellow bloggers, thank you <3 

Now before I go and get all sobby at the keyboard...

Stick around for tomorrow, because I've got something super saucey planned featuring one of the gals I'm lucky to call my friend.

My First Trip To Market

"With great dreams comes great responsibility"

Greetings!

Big hello to all the new lovelies following recently, and to all of those who've been around for a while...Hey, did ya miss me at all? 

I am now entering week 4 of my 10 week summer internship with Michael's at their corporate office! It's probably hard to see in the picture but I'm definitely official. These two photos above are of me and some of the other precious interns on our way to this field trip to the "DC" which if you're like me you probably would assume that means Washington DC. Apparently it's not, it means Distribution Center. Something I've learned over the past couple of weeks is that Michaels likes to shorten the names of everything! 

So there I was beginning to feel a little blue because I've had several mind-numbing projects thrown my way that I had almost forgotten why I even wanted to be a buyer "when I grow up" and then, two things happened: (1) I had an epiphany and (2) I went to Market. 

The Epiphany

Last Wednesday I got to sit in on the 2013 Strategic Planning meeting for the division that I'm working in with all of the big whigs of Aaron Brothers and it suddenly hit me: This is what I was meant to do my entire life! Seriously. The only difference is that when I was 7 and writing speeches to convince my parents to buy me some new bedroom furniture or why we needed a cat, my sales pitch was to the Bank of Mom & Dad instead of the President of the company and Department Merchandising Managers (DMMs as they like to call it. See, I told you they shorten everything). Anyways, the point here is that I've been doing this all my life, and I have no doubt that this is where I belong :)

My First Trip To Market!

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of hitting up the Dallas Market Center to go shopping for Spring 2013 merchandise to carry in the store. Uhm, that's right...you heard me, I got to paid to go shopping!! The pictures you see above here are two photos from one of the big trends that you'll be seeing next spring. I can honestly say that after being at market from 10am-6pm that I was tired of shopping. Shocking, I know! 

3 Trends in Spring 2013:

1. Industrial: Lots of metals, burlap and chic looking industrialized elements 
2. Market Bazaar: Bold, block prints inspired by India and Morocco (Damask, Elephants, etc)
3. Tribal: Inspired by Navajo Indians, Gypsies and Aztecs with blocky stripes and geometrics

// For more Spring 2013 Trends, Click Here \\

PS: I'm giving away a $25 gift card to Target at Confessions of a Graphic Design Student. Enter to win here!

That's all I got, now how'd ya like that?

Thursday 13: There's an app for that

Welcome to another week of T13

Shout-out to my co-host Chloe where you'll be linking up today!

In an age where parents look to their kids for technical advice (unless you're in my family and you refer to the instruction manual of Dad), this week is perfect for showcasing some of your favorite apps! Join in, won't you?

1. Spotify: I definitely listen to this every morning on my way to work or whenever I'm on a long drive to Houston to visit the folks. It's absolutely divine and let's me build my own playlist unlike Pandora.

2. Facebook: Lameeeee. I hate that it's become a "necessity". 

3. DrawSomething: I'm an absolutely horrible artist, but I'm sure you'd find my drawings comical! I know I've sent some really great ones to Kristen in the past. 

4. Twitter: Where do you think I find the time to scroll tweets and keep up with blogger correspondence? :) 

5. Instagram: I remember waiting foreverrrr to have Instagram out for the Android and I just absolutely adore it! Find Me: Mirndee

6. Foursquare: The only social media I reserve for people I know in person. Nooo creepy randoms (I'm not referring to any of y'all...I mean the randoms that always friend request me on FB) are allowed to view where I'm hanging out at.

Sally's Spa (Snapshot)

7. Sally's Spa: Hah! I feel like the biggest nerd admitting to this, but it's by far the cheesiest and most fun game I have ever downloaded on a phone. Seriously. You'll get addicted!

8. Shazam: Back in the day my mom always thought that the musical artist to every song was either Nickelback or Creed!! I promised myself I'd never become that person (lol sorry mom). Thus, my little resource.

9. Barcode Scanner: It's free and extremely convenient when you're shopping! You scan the barcode (not the QR) and it'll show you the price, and where to find the product cheaper if available.

10. ESPN ScoreCenter: I'm a hugggge Houston Texans fan! And this is coming from someone who never liked football...so I like to keep up with them when it's football season, especially to keep myself up to date on stats and trash talk to Cowboy fans :p

11. Olympic 2012: Ahhh! I'm so stoked for the Olympics and I can't wait for them to start! This app shows you when each competition is. My favorites are swimming and women's gymnastics...what about you?

12. Bank of America: I pretty much check my balance before any purchase I make. Budgeting is such a drag. Womp womp.

13. Pandora: When Spotify gives me problems, I use Pandora as my backup.

Link up with Chloe && share your favorite apps!

Xo.

Father Knows Best

As a single gal, sometimes I just need to remember this 

Xo,

Happy Tuesday, loves.

Congratulations to the new Mrs. Whalen!

Congratulations to one of my favorite girl friends and former classmate, Amy H...or should I say, the new Amy W!

I decided to bring my roommate Ethan with me.

The photo in the middle on the right shows us before the wedding.

One open beer-and-wine bar later...

he caught the garter, danced with Amy's mom and didn't realize who she was and asked

"Is your husband here?"

Uhm...uh yeah, he only like walked Amy down the aisle haha. 

He was definitely known as the drunkard at the wedding! lol.

The wedding was definitely a success, and I can surely say that we all had a great time.

What were you up to this past weekend?

Juicing Detox (Day 7)

My, Oh My!

What a week it's been!! I can't believe it's already been seven days on this juicing cleanse.
Last Friday was an absolutely treacherous!
I was craving everythingggg.
Tacos. Hamburgers. Hotdogs. Ravioli. Cookies. Taco Cabana. 
Pretty much anything and everything that I don't normally crave on an everyday basis.

But I'm happy to report, I was a good girl!
Have I completely 100% juiced everything that's gone into my mouth?
No
I tried, and it was rather depressing. In fact I found myself more likely to give up if I did that.
Have I been extremely conscious in the food I have eaten?
Yes! 
Have I made mistakes?
Absolutely.

2x a day I drink fresh juice that I've made from fruits & veggies...
anything ranging from apples, pears, cucumbers, carrots, ginger, kale, beets, etc.
1x a day I'll have some focaccia bread w/ hummus and avocado.
And if I can't take anymore juice, I'll have salmon with some salad or something.
Proud?
I am. 80% of greatness is better than 75% of failure on such a strict regimen.

Not going to weigh myself this week, but I can tell you that I can already start to see a difference in my shoulders, waist, clavicle area, ankles and calves. My body doesn't seem so swollen so I'm going to continue on this path.

Success is right around the corner.

T13:Things About My Job (or Random)

Hey y'all

Just to keep everyone updated, Jennifer is taking a hiatus from Thursday 13 so as of now it'll be me and Chloe hosting the new T13 each week. We also plan to schedule the next topics more in advance (weeks at a time) and send out the weekly email 4-6 days in advance...but I want to thank y'all for your patience in the meantime!! :) You're awesome

Anyways...

This week's topic is 13 Things About Your Job (Or Random)

So let's not waste anymore time and get right into it. As some of y'all know, I just recently started my new internship with Michael's corporate office (that's right, the famous craft store that Pinterest lovers adore)...so I figured this week would be a great introduction to talk about my first few days and also for y'all to discuss your own job so we can learn more all about y'all :)

1. My new internship is technically with Michael's corporate office.

2. Although I work at their satellite office for Aaron Brothers in their Merchandising Department.

3. If I put 110% into the next 10 weeks, I could see an offer come through for a full-time position upon graduating in August

4. If that happens, I'll probably become a "Category Management Assistant"...or in other words, an Assistant Buyer. (Think of Rachel from Friends)

5. The different levels of Buyers in Merchandising are Assistant, Associate, and Senior level buyers. The entry-level is Assistant (what I would be qualified for)

6. Yesterday, I had my first vendor meeting...which means that we met with a potential vendor (brand) that we are looking to bring into our stores, so we had the first negotiation talks.

7. Another totally awesome part of my new job is that Michael's offers what is called "Summer Flex Hours", so if you work an extra hour Monday - Thursday you can leave on Friday at noon every week. Holla!!

8. Did I mention that my internship is actually paid? :D Most fashion merchandising students in my department are unable to find a paid-position..and actually, Michael's is THE TOP paying internships in my department!

9. I'm not going to lie you guys, this first week has completely worn me out...it's currently 12:30 am on Wednesday night to get this done before I wake up at 6 to start all over again! I've been on college time for who knows how long, so I usually went to bed at 3am and slept for a good 9 or 10 hours each day...those were the days man.

10. Just in case you're wondering....most companies begin planning their seasons approximately 6 - 18 months in advance. For instance, right now we're prepping the promotions around Black Friday and beginning to plan the 2013 fiscal year.  You wouldn't even believe the process that a retailer takes in order to plan and operate each season of merchandise (not to mention the promotions that go into everything!)

11. My current mentor, supervisor (who's the Buyer for Art Supplies and Kids at Aaron Brothers) and even the VP of Merchandising for Aaron Brothers are freakin awesome!! Our VP of Merchandising took the entire team out for lunch on Monday to introduce me to everyone...and she paid of her own pocket. HOW THOUGHT!! <3 

12.  I'm entirely stoked about this summer internship, not only because of the experience and lessons I'll learn, but because I'll finally be able to pay off my credit cards! :) Now that's something to be excited about! Hah.

13. I could probably go on and on and on about this amazing opportunity, but then how could I share the journey over the next few months? So stay tuned for more updates :) If you're ever curious about the wonderful world of merchandising (retailing) feel free to let me know, or just follow along! I have such a strong passion for my field of work that I want EVERYONE to know :D  hehe...even when I know that the Average Joe may find it boring or superfluous.

I'm really excited to learn more about everyone! And I just want to give a huge shout-out to those participating weekly and to everyone just joining in :)  As always, if you have any suggestions of topics please feel free to let me or Chloe know! It's always appreciated.

Until next time my friends...

Xo

Featured Interview: Fashion Breaks My Heart

Greetings y'all! 

Today I have an oh-so-special treat for you guys. I'm going to introduce you to the author of a new daily read of mine: Laura from Fashion Breaks My Heart! If you haven't already met her, read on and see why she's so awesome :) Not only does she have the most wicked tattoo and bad-a hair but she's also a fashion student so she has definitely won some kuddos in my book! 

Facebook // Twitter // Blog

Introduce yourself to our lovely readers today and tell us a little bit about you & your blog and/or shop. 

I'm a twenty something fashion student living in the northwest of England, my blog; Fashion Breaks my Heart is still in it's early stages but focuses on the whimsies of life and my very many interests in life with something for everyone!  

I love that you're from the UK! Have you noticed any key differences in the fashions that y'all wear compared to Americans?

I have found through the American bloggers I follow and my trip to New York not too long ago that we're not all too different in our styling these day's. Although I would say some of the most flawless fashionistas I have met and read about have been from the States and are immaculate. Britain is really into keeping it's roots when it comes to clothes and trends, I personally love to diversify away from that take influences from everyone!

I just adore your style :) Where do you find inspiration for your look from?

Thank you! :) I'd say my style has become what it is today through a lot of experimenting: lots of hair colours, lots of practice working with clothes and colours and obviously with getting older! My female style icons are a bit of Hepburn, Katy Perry, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lana Del Ray, Dita Von Feese, all amazing women!  

Where are your favorite places to shop at?

Favourite shops would be Liberty London, Browns and ASOS.  The one's I've found online have been my best source. Etsy is amazing for everything from antique teaspoons to an unwanted Dior clutch! I'd say Irregular choice for my shoes, Black Milk for leggings, british high street stores like Topshop are great but i like to find a bargain when I can so I shop at charity stores and eBay! 

 You have the most Bad-A tattoo on your wrist! Where'd you get the idea for it from/What made you decide to get it? (And tell us what the tattoo I'm referring to is :p )

Haha, the "fashion" on a coat hanger tattoo on my wrist was something I'd seen on tumblr a while back. I thought the idea was very cool and classy.  I made a commitment two years ago to pursue my dreams to work in the fashion industry and do everything i can to make it happen. This tattoo is a constant reminder to me to bear that in mind for the future! 

When did your love for fashion first begin?

Many years back! I made a little scrap book when i was seven of bits of fabric I found and had one dedicated to the late Princess Diana, i was in awe of the dresses she was seen in and with her being a princess it was a enriching interest for a young girl at the time.  Since then I've always come back to it every-time throughout my education.  

Do you have an ultimate-blogger goal? 

My ultimate goal right now would be get to 500 followers, I've been working on my posts in advance more recently and doing product reviews for some amazing little shop's I've found on the interweb!  Like with anything you have a passion for, talking about it to more and more people is an exciting prospect! 

Lastly, leave us with one of your most favorite quote :) 

A quote right now perfect for how I feel would be "Work more, earn more, live more, have more fun" from Laura Marling's first album. 

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Today marks the day to the rest of my life

// Freshman Year of College //

Just five short years ago, I graduated from high school.

Scared. Timid. Thrilled. Excited. Nervous.

These are the feelings that overcame me when I thought about my future.

Today is the day I've envisioned as one of the milestones of becoming a "big kid".

Today I start my internship at Michael's corporate office!

Ahhh!

Scared. Timid. Thrilled. Excited. Nervous.

These are the feelings overcoming me today! 

Have a lovely Monday :)

Lovely Little Vintage Swimmies

I spy with my little eye, vintage swimwear I'd like to try

One of my favorite styles in swimwear is the retro, pin-up look! So, since summer is here I thought I'd put together some of my favorite looks for the 2012 Summer Season. These looks are great at giving a slender, boyish body frame look some womanly curves, and also for those a little tummy conscious! Slim Tip: The best way to give a slimmer illusion is to go for swimsuits that is "ruched" in the tummy area. This is just a sewing technique that creates gathers and makes it look like you have a super flat stomach!

1. Everything But Water - Betsey Johnson Flirty-Skirted Two Piece $65 & $77
2. Anthropologie - Retro Poppy Bikini $78
3. Everything But Water - Karla Colletto Ruched Two-Piece $147 & $138
4. Victoria's Secret - Carmen Marc Valvo Retro One-Piece $167
5. Target - Merona Shirred One-Piece Swimdress $35
6. Nordstrom - Ella Moss Vintage One Piece Swimsuit $97
7. Juicy Couture - Miss Divine One-Piece Halter $162
8. Macy's - Kenneth Cole Reaction, Bandeau Ruffle Tummy Control Swimdress $100

Which one is your favorite?

Juicing Detox (Day 1)

Today marks Day 1 of my journey toward all of those nutrition goals I've mentioned. Earlier this week I finally got around to watching "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" - a documentary that opened my eyes and I found really inspirating. If you have some time, I recommend for you to watch it! Oh and by the way, it's not Netflix ;) The challenge I've set for myself is to go 30 days on a juice cleanse following the Mean Green recipe. After the 30 days, I may or may not decide to do another 26 days to my birthday. Whether or not I decide to go longer, I'll build my healthy habits from the ground up.

The photo above is a side-by-side from when I was at a weight I was comfortable with, and the one on the right was last night. Granted I was 18 and super tan back then...I can't wait to see and feel the difference.

**Motivation is encouraged! I'm nervous about this...I'm already craving egg rolls as I write this!**