Bootie Dilemma: Save or Splurge?

Perfect, right? I fell in love with them the moment I spotted them in a Piperlime ad mailed to my house. That ad had a 20% off coupon attached, so I just knew I could make these booties mine. With the discount, the total comes to $228. Now, if I wanted to return another pair of shoes I bought recently with some birthday money (ahem, Rachel Roy), I could certainly have them. But I haven't made that decision yet. While exploring other options, I came up with these less expensive alternatives that are worthy of consideration.

1. Dolce Vita $88 // my final price: $20

2. Dolce Vita $99 // my final price: $29

3. Sam Edelman $130 // my final price: $54

4. Dolce Vita $190 // my final price: $100

All of these are available on Amazon, which bodes well for me. I also have a 20% off coupon for Amazon, plus a $50 gift card.

I can't decide if it's a good or bad thing that I over analyze things like this. I may end up not being able to get the Hudson's out of my head, thus returning the Rachel Roy's to be able to buy them. Or I maybe I choose the most reasonable option and settle for one of the alternatives. 

What do y'all think? Do you love the Hudson's? Do you love the Rachel Roy's? Do you think any of the alternatives would be a good decision?

A Few of my Favorites: Hair, Skin, & Nails

Pureology 'volume' shampoo & Pureology 'hydrate' light conditioner: I use a volumizing shampoo and a hydrating light conditioner every other day. I've had to train myself not to wash my hair every day (it's still hard!) and I like Pureology because it doesn't leave my hair feeling weighed down. My hair tends to get oily, so it's important for me to use a conditioner that conditions without making it greasy.

Moroccan Oil hairspray: Hairspray is the only product I regularly use in my hair. I'm fortunate to have manageable hair without tons of product, so after shampooing and conditioning, all I do is blow dry it, style it, and set it with Moroccan Oil spray. It has a strong but flexible hold and doesn't make my hair crunchy or sticky.

Lush cuticle cream: I discovered Lush while on vacation in Chicago this past July. We were at the Benefit counter and couldn't help but notice there was quite a ruckus happening across the aisle. Naturally, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about and walked out with a purchase! This cuticle cream was just what my dry, cracked cuticles needed! I use it at night when I get in bed. Bonus: It smells incredible!

Mac wipes: I'll let you in on a little secret: I hate washing my face at the sink. I use a facial cleanser when I wash my hair in the shower, but since I don't wash my hair every morning or ever at night, these Mac wipes have been my saving grace. It's so easy to wipe all over my face and they even take off my eye makeup. I've been using them for years!

Benefit total moisture: This has got to be the best moisturizer on the market. I am obsessed with it! It smells AMAZING and leaves my face feeling incredibly soft. I mainly use it as a night cream because it's kind of thick, but I've started to use it some mornings, too. The only problem is, I never want to put makeup on over it! My face just feels too clean and soft! Like my hair, my skin is also very oily, which has made it difficult to find a moisturizer that doesn't make it even more oily. Benefit's description says it's intended for normal to dry skin, but my oily skin loves it too!

Aveda hand relief: Hip hip hooray for Aveda products! They're the best! In fact, I should probably try more of their products... They just smell so good AND they work! I love this lotion because it has a subtle scent that isn't overpowering. Here's another little secret. I hate lotion. I have tons of it, but hardly ever use it. I just hate the greasy feeling lots of other lotions leave. This Aveda lotion isn't greasy, which makes it a win in my book! Especially when it comes to my hands, I don't want to feel like I can't touch anything after I apply lotion. This soaks in within a few minutes and my hands feel instantly softer!

I would love to hear some of your favorites!

*These are products that I love and use regularly. I was not compensated in any way for sharing my opinions. I genuinely enjoy sharing about outstanding products that work for me :)

Style Inspiration

Sweatshirt $118, Pants $98, Flats $298

Is fall fashion not the best? Everyone knows the September issues of fashion magazines can't be missed and the new J. Crew style guide did not disappoint. I think I flagged almost every other page! This look in particular stood out to me, and although the total cost tops $500, I think I've found a near identical alternative for less than $100! That means, instead of buying just the J. Crew camo pants, you can buy alllll this... and still look like you stepped out of a magazine.

Forever 21 sweatshirt, ReWash pants via Macy's, Gap flats

August Shopping

My birthday was a couple weeks ago, and I'm still trying to decide what to spend my birthday money on! Why is it when I don't have money, I want SO many things... Yet when I do have some money at my disposal, it takes me forever to decide what to spend it on! Please tell me this happens to you, too. There's something about the feeling of having that money to do with what I please and not wanting that to end! Because when it's gone, it won't come back until Christmas. So, I need your help! What would you spend your birthday money on (if your birthday was in August)? Would you scour the summer sales or dip into the new fall arrivals?

Look For Less: Ankle Boot Edition

DV by Dolce Vita // Rag & Bone 

You can't go wrong with a good ankle boot. They go with anything, from dresses to jeans and can take you though fall, winter, and spring-- at least in Tennessee. I have one pair, last seen here, but I can't rule out purchasing a second pair in black. I'm not usually one to gravitate toward black, but this pair from Dolce Vita incorporates a little cognac, which I can never resist. Plus, they're a dead ringer for one of the most coveted ankle boots, the Harrow by Rag and Bone. If you're looking for some even cheaper, this pair, also from DV, are really similar! I also have my eye on these-- They look so comfortable! 

I know it's not technically fall until the end of September (and probably won't feel like fall in Memphis until October), but I can't help but drool over all the new fall arrivals that are out already! It's my favorite season!

Nothing like a good deal to get my blogging mojo back, huh? :) 

Summer Beauty

 In the past couple years, I've toned down my makeup routine quite a bit. I don't really know what caused the change, but I think it might something to do with having to wake up early for this big girl job I have. Less time on makeup = more sleep! Especially in the summer, my makeup routine is super simple and natural. Today I'm sharing my favorite products that I use on a daily basis! 

Face: neutrogena oil-free mouisture // benefit "boi-ing" concealer // mac mineralize bronzer

I've been using neutrogena's moisturizer for years and I love it. It's light, non-greasy, and has a little SPF to protect my face. Since I don't like wearing foundation in the summertime, a good concealer to cover imperfections is crucial. I just ran out of my mac concealer, and I'm planning to try benefit's "boi-ing" next. To finish off my face, I dust a little bronzer all over to warm up my complexion.

Eyes/Brows: too faced brow pencil // benefit "they're real" mascara

For me, my stand-out features are my eyes and brows. I don't wear eyeshadow or eyeliner daily, but I always have to shape my brows and put on mascara. I use too faced's brow pencil in "blondey" which is a few shades lighter than my natural brow color. For my lashes, I always curl them first and then add 1-2 coats of "they're real" mascara by benefit. It really helps lengthen my lashes but isn't too much for a natural look. (I am looking for another mascara that adds dramatic volume for those times I want a more glam look. I need recommendations!)

Lips: fresh sugar lip balm

Lastly, I usually swipe on sugar lip balm from fresh, which gives a light color and extreme moisture. Occasionally, I'll switch that out for a bright lipstick. It helps me feel a little more put together but not overly so in the summer heat. :)

What are your summer beauty must-haves? I'd love to hear your beauty recommendations!

* I was not compensated by any brand for this post. I use and love all of these products and wanted to share them with you!

Designer Necklace Giveaway from Belcho USA

Belcho USA textured bar necklace

I'm so honored to introduce to you Belcho USA, whose dainty & feminine jewelry is handmade in Los Angeles, CA. For every piece sold, a portion of the proceeds is donated to various animal rescue groups and St. Jude Research Hospital. That alone is enough to make Belcho USA a winner in my book! I've been on the hunt for dainty necklaces to wear in the summer, so their textured bar necklace turned out to be a perfect fit for me! I can imagine wearing it with flirty dresses and cotton tank tops alike. 

I'm happy to announce that Belcho USA would like to give away one of the textured bar necklaces to one of my readers!

Requirements:

Follow The Sequined Spaniel via Bloglovin'

'Like' The Sequined Spaniel on Facebook

'Like' Belcho USA on Facebook

Leave a comment stating that you completed these requirements and be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!

Extra Entry:

Follow The Sequined Spaniel on Twitter

Follow Belcho USA on Twitter

Leave another comment letting me know you completed both requirements for an extra entry.

This giveaway is open to all U.S. residents and will conclude on Tuesday July 9th at 11:59 pm CST. 

The winner will be selected at random and will be announced here on Wednesday July 10th. 

And the winner is... Jessica from Poppies and Polka Dots! Congratulations! 

Thank you to all who entered!