Mommy+Mini: Casual Spring Dresses.

How was your weekend guys?! Did you do any shopping with all the great sales out there?! I got some cute things at Loft for myself and some adorable new dresses for Vivian from Land's End. Speaking of Vivian, my little mini and I are back for a Mommy+Me post featuring two Casual Spring Dresses, worn the Monday after Easter to be exact. The weekend of Easter was so pretty and warm over here and it continued to be so the week after, but last week our colder temperatures and lots of rain were back on. It is Spring after all.

My little V-Neck, 100% Cotton LBD is a few years old (from Gap), about 7 to be exact but it is one of those pieces that will transition through years and you can style it for all seasons because of how simple and comfy it is. I love that it has short sleeves too, what would make it better is pockets. My Black Ghilly Ballet Flats were perfect with it and for when it was a little breezy and cooler out, I decided to top it off with my Olive Military Blazer from Who What Wear. My most recent Rocksbox had this Silver Spiky Necklace in it and Silver Spiky Ear Jackets and the two mixed so well together. I added some Tortoise Sunnies and a Berry Lip Color and I was set. My beautiful girl is wearing a new Mixed Media Sweatshirt featuring the baby pink sweatshirt part on top with built-in navy+white stripes which looks like a layered tee underneath, which she paired with a hot pink tulle skirt on the bottom. Her Fox Knee Tights are adorable - they are by Cat and Jack, which is the cutest kids' clothing line at Target. She decided to wear her Silver Sparkly Heart Ballet Flats and wanted her hair like Cinderella's (which means in a top bun).

These beautiful white flowers (they look like plum flowers) have bloomed in front of our home in these two giant trees. Aren't they pretty?! How could I not pose in front of them?

This plastic pink+green flower that rotates and lights up, was one of the presents in Vivian's third Easter basket of this year, from her uncle (my brother). I love how the flower matches the little origami flower in her sweatshirt.

Vivian's Outfit:

Baby Pink+Navy Striped Mixed Media Sweatshirt: Carter's (New).

Hot Pink Tulle (Tutu) Skirt: Disney.

Marled Light Pink+Coral Fox Knit Tights: Cat & Jack via Target (New).

Plastic Light-up Flower Accessory: Gift from her uncle for Easter 2017.

Bright Coral+Green Bow Scrunchie: c/o an Accessories Boutique from Albania.

Hot Pink Minnie Mousse Sunglasses w/ Silver Studs off the side: Disney (New) (Gifted from her uncle this Easter).

Silver Patent Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats w/ Glittery Hearts: The Children's Place (New).

Tomorrow we welcome May which is both my birthday month and my husband's (our birthdays are only two days apart). My birthday is May 4th and it falls on a Thursday this week which is usually the day of my linkup. But don't forget, this week I am having my linkup open a day early - Wednesday morning May 3rd - and on Thursday I am doing another linkup, joining my friends CARRIE from Curly Crafty Mom and JILL from Doused in Pink, who have their own weekly linkup every Thursday, and this upcoming week I am the co-host so make sure you stop by my blog both days Wednesday and Thursday and link up! Thank you so much. =))

The Best of the Weekend Sales.

In the retail world, it is the end of the quarter, which means since the retail Spring season is ending, many stores are doing some amazing sales all weekend long (remember, stores are at least a couple of months ahead style-wise and holiday-wise; we are already seeing lots of red white and blue and stars+stripes for both Memorial Day and Independence Day coming up). Here is a roundup of some of the best sales at your local stores and department stores. For each store/brand I am offering up some tips and suggestions too, so read on below. What are you up to this weekend?! Doing any shopping?!

Macy's - they are doing their special Friends+Family sale where you get an additional 30% off, whether something is on sale or not. Some departments like cosmetics and perfumes are only 10% off but we all know there are almost never any sales when it comes to makeup so 10% is still good. Macy's is my favorite destination when it comes to both perfumes and shoes because their selection for each, is amazing.

Loft - 40% off everything with code 'OHGOODIE'. Tomorrow April 30th is the last day of this great sale. Loft's amazing new arrivals are all included in the sale and you get 40% additional off all their clearance items too. Loft recently sent me a gift card and I plan on heading there tomorrow and I will take you 'inside the fitting room' with me, as well, for a try-out session, so check out my Instagram Stories.

Banana Republic - 40% off their full-priced items for their 'SPRING for Style' event. BR currently has some dreamy dresses, polished pants that are perfect for your 9 to 5 office look, beautiful blouses and other fun feminine tops and lots and lots of sparkly jewelry that makes a statement. 

Express - 30% off all full-priced women's dresses and $100 off all men's suits. Express is one of those brands I have been shopping for almost two decades. They always have such pretty and girly dresses, the most amazing Editor Pants and Portofino Blouses and of course their denim is amazing. All of their jeans are of wonderful quality and there are many many styles and washes, too. My husband has been loving Express for years too. I can testify that their suits, dress shirts and ties are of great quality and have a modern cut and style.

Old Navy - 30% off almost everything in the store. Also all of their jeans, pants and tees are on sale. Old Navy is hitting every current trend lately: off shoulder, denim, blue+white stripes, embroidery, cold shoulder, chambray, LWDs, girly florals, cute canvas sneakers - they got it all. And in all sizes even: for adults, kids, toddlers and babies too. I love how Old Navy does a lot of Mommy+Mini matching looks for moms that have girls.

J. Crew - 30% off new arrivals with code 'BIGSALE' and an additional 40% off their sale/clearance items. No one does chambray, stripes, seersucker, eyelet, graphic tees and gingham better than J.Crew and this season they have all these big trends at some very reasonable prices. Their Crew Cuts line for children is just as adorable.

Target - 20% off all the Merona brand with code 'MERONA20' and 25% off most of the patio/outdoor stuff. You wouldn't think I would leave out my favorite store right?! Target has some amazing stuff right now, in every category actually, not just clothes. I recently purchased several dresses from the VBxTarget line both for myself and my daughter (here and here). Most of the stores are sold out of this collection but you can still find some stuff online. The Who What Wear collection - my favorite brand Target sells - is killing it this Spring. And I also love the Merona brand and the more youthful Xhilaration brand which has some trendy pieces. For shoes, they have the DVF line which is amazing. And for kids check out their Cat and Jack line though their Genuine Kids brand has many cute things too. Last but not least, Target has great things for your homes too, from jewelry plates, mugs and pillows to beautiful patio chairs and bedding.

H&M - they are doing their trendy offer, which applies to their on trend clothes where you get 25% off, but it ends on April 30th. H&M is very affordable and the quality is nice for what you pay. Since they are a European-based brand though, their sizing is a little different. I'd say they run pretty small. You usually have to size up. Also, a tip - you can find a lot more online than you can at your local store.

Gap - up to 50% off everything both in stores and online and they are doing a special online sale too where you get an additional 20% off your entire purchase. If you are looking for relaxed Americana style, look no further than Gap. Their loose long cardigans, classic button-downs in mini patterns, breathable jumpsuits, casual rompers, easy dresses, denim jackets and trendy espadrilles are what Spring is all about. Their toddler collection is magnificent whether you are looking for casual or dressy pieces.

Bebe - 30% off their regular-priced items, but be careful they are most likely final sales. A birdie told me bebe is closing down all their stores by the end of May. I think they should do better sales than just 30% off but for someone who has several pieces from this brand I can testify that they have some quality stuff. Their leather handbag+wallet collection is gorgeous and well-made as are their watches. They always have some fun, unique going-out dresses too and through the years I have gotten several silk blouses from them too that have lasted for years. If you happen to get something from bebe, I suggest you buy in store and try it on. Avoid online since it is final sale, unless you are familiar with how their clothes fit.

Thursday Moda #61: Pineapple Sweater and Blue Denim.

Welcome to a new Thursday Moda everyone! How is it going?!

As us style bloggers know too well, for the past 5 years or so pineapples have been all the rage. They continue to be so this Spring+Summer season. The pineapple trend is not going anywhere anytime soon. Enter this Pineapple Sweater purchased earlier this Spring at Old Navy. Currently Old Navy has not one but three pairs of Pineapple Shorts for women. Plus you can find kids/toddlers pineapple graphic tees and more. I am seeing this trend more and more in items other than clothes and jewelry like dishes, blankets, pillows, tupperware, serving plates, cookie cut-out shapes, etc. etc.

I wore this in early April during a chilly though sunny weekend. The sweater is light as far as weight goes but still not too thin which makes it perfect for April-May. The yellow pineapples which pop paired so well with my dainty layered gold-tone necklace. I wore it with double denim though in different shades of blue: dark wash skinny jeans and medium wash denim moto jacket. One last time this season I am also wearing my Black Leather OTK Boots which match my Black Bag perfectly. Do you love pineapple print and are you wearing the pineapple trend this season?!

Light Knit, Heather Gray Crewneck Sweater w/ Embroidered Yellow Pineapples: Old Navy  (quite similar in gray, my Favorite), (very similar in navy), (cashmere option in teal, Steal, love this), (graphic style in pale pink, Steal, love this).

Medium-Wash Blue Denim Moto Jacket w/ Off-White Shearling Collar: Xhilaration via Target (similar in light wash, Huge Steal, love this), (similar very light weight, Steal), (similar in dark wash, my Favorite), (similar).

Dark Blue/Indigo Stretchy Skinny Jeans: Forever 21 (New) (similar, Steal, my Favorite), (similar, on Huge Sale, love these), (similar, Splurge).

Black Faux Leather Large Crossbody Bag w/ large Tassel Detail on the front by the buckle: Express (similar, Steal), (similar, on Sale), (similar, Small Splurge, my Favorite), (similar, Splurge, love this).

Taupe, Big-Framed Plastic Sunglasses: Loft (similar, Huge Steal), (oversized cat-eye style, Steal, love these), (similar, Great Deal, my Favorite), (similar w/ mirror lenses, Splurge).

Gold Tone Dainty Layer Circle Necklace in Gold+Howlite: Nakamol via Rocksbox (New) (similar, Huge Steal, love this), (similar, Steal), (similar, Fantastic Deal, my Favorite).

Gold-Tone+Cubic Zirconia Mini Circle "Maria" Studs w/ Chains: Sophie Harper via Rocksbox (very similar, Steal), (similar, on Sale, my Favorite), (similar, Great Deal, love these).

Soft Glossy Nude Lipstick: "Nature's Blush" by L'Oreal (identical, comes in many colors), (similar, Steal, love this), (similar, Splurge).

Black Leather OTK Boots w/ side Zippers: Meijer's (similar quilted option, on Sale, love these), (similar, on Huge Sale), (similar, Splurge, my Favorite).

I also wanted to let you know that I am looking for co-hosts for Thursday Moda. It is a great way to promote your blog, add readers, discover new bloggers you'll love and it is all FREE!! Let me know if you are interested and we can e-mail one another. My e-mail address is under my contact information, or you can leave me a comment here. =) 

Last week there were over 130 looks linked up. I see blue popping everywhere and so many of you have gotten out your floral Summer dresses, rompers and maxis. One accessory that is super useful these days is a cute pair of sunglasses, as these ladies show, too. Take a look at my most favorites, below:

Today's Featured Blogger is SARAH ISIS from DisisD, a blog on her personal style and motherhood. Lovely Sarah who has 3 children is almost at complete full term with baby #4 and look how lovely she looks! She linked up several posts but I loved the beauty and simplicity of the outfits above. Blue looks fantastic on Sarah Isis. First a periwinkle blue dress for Spring with her adorable youngest daughter in her fun colorful Summer plaid sundress, then she did an Instagram roundup where I loved her striped tunic with the cobalt grandpa cardigan. Both times Sarah Isis is wearing such cute ballet flats and the most gorgeous off white Gucci quilted handbag. Sarah has been dressing her bump beautifully during this pregnancy and I cannot wait to see more darling outfits from her.

Kate marches in 'Showstopping Florals' in this beautiful black+white halter maxi complete with the perfect everyday makeup and a cute pair of sunnies.

Lorena keeps wearing her 'Bubbles' referring to that infamous J. Crew necklace we all once loved. The necklace is still gorgeous especially over a nice striped dress.

Bryanna could easily be 'Going to Coachella' in her pretty plum floral off-shoulder romper with layered necklaces, flat sandals and the most adorable tiny crocheted backpack.

Veronica wore a 'White Lace Easter Dress' with pops of aqua, blush pink and neon pink. The whole look is nothing short of elegant, classic and feminine.

And one last announcement: it will be a big week on Elegance and Mommyhood next week since it is my birthday week and I have some fun posts and collaborations planned. I am still shooting some outfit photos this weekend, think lots of pretty dresses! =) Therefore, because of my birthday, I am launching my linkup next week a day early - on Wednesday by 5.00 AM Eastern time instead of Wednesday eve like I normally do. And on Thursday I will be co-hosting the Thursday Fashion Files linkup with Carrie and Jill. Hope you all stop by and see what I have cooking this late April/early May. =)

Thank you so much and enjoy the rest of your week and TGIF!

Now join the linkup and make some new friends!

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