MIA and Friday Favorites

I've been MIA for a week. Sorry (did anyone notice?)  I don't have any real excuse other than general life and writer's block.  (I stayed active on Instagram, do you follow there?) But I'm back to today, and I have ideas coming up. So, back to our regularly scheduled program....

As I mentioned, been active on Instagram, and have found some fun little boutiques/shops from around the country that I never knew existed, but have some very cute stuff.  Thought others might enjoy knowing about them as well.
 

Jess Lea Boutique

A little on-line only shop that has bright colors and cute styles, and seems to be a blogger favorite.  And she offers FREE SHIPPING on all orders. It's currently stocked with some cute summer styles.  I'm particularly loving these pieces:
 

You can follow Jess Lea Boutique on Instagram too here, for new arrivals and styling ideas.
 

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Entourage Clothing

Another one that offers FREE SHIPPING, and nothing is over $42. Can't beat that.  They have some cute patriot pieces up right now for the upcoming 4th of July holiday, and a lot of cute sundresses, tops and rompers.  Pretty big inventory selection too. 
 

You can follow Entourage on Instagram here.
 

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Perle Market

Another one with FREE SHIPPING, and most things are under $50. Doesn't have a huge selection, but there are cute, affordable pieces and accessories, even some for your mini-me.
 

Follow their Instagram for updates and styling ideas.
 

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Morning Lavender

Feminine and pretty pieces.  Free Shipping over $75, but hey, you can get a couple pieces for that much.  They just launched a Bridal Shower Collection (tis the season) so you will undoubtedly find a lovely dress for a shower or wedding you have to attend.

Morning Lavender can be followed on Instagram here.
 

Friday Favorites - Forever 21

Forever 21 has really stepped up their game lately.  I've been visiting them more in the past several years since they added the Love21 line, which was aimed at a -- how shall I say it? -- post-highschool/post-college aged shopper.  The sizing of those items is more real, less tiny (so why can't everything be sized real? I digress....)  They recently renamed the Love21 shop to Contemporary, and in addition the chic-ness of their offerings seems to have gone up.  Honestly, I think I could completely replace my entire closet with their items right now.  While the quality isn't the same, I can imagine finding some of these styles in Anthropologie or BCGG, don't you think?

Here are few of my favorites for the summertime:

Chiffon Trapeze Dress, $29.90

Comes in white or this gorgeous aqua.  I think would make a darling beach cover-up in addition to the cute weekend dress it already is. Sides look a little low, so probably a cute lace bralette underneath and you're set.
 

Cutout Cami Maxi Dress, $22.90

It looks like more of a midi length dress, but that's fine by me. Love the fun color, and especially the pockets. Any dress with pockets is a score.
 

Pleated Floral-Embroidery Top, $22.90

I've been really into whites lately, and this one is so cute and light.  The embroidery adds some pretty details, and could be dressed up or down.
 

Watercolor Floral Surplice Jumpsuit, $24.90

Ok, I cheated and this one is not from the Contemporary line, but it's so pretty I had to include.  Obviously great for the weekends, but can't you see it with a black blazer and heels for work?
 

Crochet Pleated Sheath Dress, $34.90

I keep coming back to this one when I browse the site. It's the color and fabric and the style: pretty and feminine, not to loud but bright, with a little vintage feel.  It needs a pretty necklace.
 

Abstract Ikat Print Dress, $24.90
I'm a fan of ikat print, and this dress looks like an easy one to throw on and go.

Cutout Halter Maxi Dress, $29.90

In addition to loving the color on this one, I love that it can be for a formal event or the weekend.  Sandals and a sunhat and you're on vacation, heels and some jewels and you're attending a wedding. This would even be a pretty bridesmaid dress (and they'd love you for the price.)
 

Floral Embroidered Strapless Dress, $34.90

Again another non-Contemporary find, but it's just too cute. I love the white and the ruffles and the embroidery.  I see myself wearing it with a wide-brimmed sunhat while sipping a mojito at a tropical resort.

Any you'd like to add to your own closet?

And while you're thinking about that and what you have, won't you make a quick stop at yesterday's post to see how you can easily help your own community by taking a selfie?