A Good Ol Button Down

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Its freaking Sunday already.  The weekend just flies by.  Just got in from my second experience with an ‘escape room.’  If you have not tried it, you must!!  I have been to two different ones.  The one my friends and I used today is here.  If you are in my area, definitely check it out.  And bring some wine!!! 🙂

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In fashion news, there is nothing better than a button down, skinny jeans and boots.  Add a scarf and you’ve got yourself a classy yet sexy and chic look. You know I just LOVE me some clavicle action 🙂 So when I saw this, I said perrrrrfect.  Two of my favorite things: button down and off the shoulder.  Two for ones are just the best!  This has large cuffs so you can wear long as I have done, or you can roll them down.  The bottom is slightly longer so you can tie it up (as I have) or you can simply tuck it in for  more classic look.  This button down is under $15!!!! Yup….UNDER $15.  

*Pay attention to the measurement for size.  They are slightly off.  You will definitely have to size up.  

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Top: c/o Shein

Jeans: Articles of Society (on major sale)

Boots: Aldo – linked similar here

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Don’t forget to follow me on Bloglovin’ and my new Facebook page.

xoxoHillxoxo

Wilsons Leather…One Stop Shop

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There really isn’t any way to describe Wilsons Leather except to say, its the One Stop Shop for all of your leather AND non leather needs.  I mean, from leather jackets to pea coats to handbags, they have absolutely everything.  I am excited to partner with Wilson’s Leather today to show this amazing moto jacket.  I just have to say, I am obsessed.  I mean, moto jackets already add fresh, funky and chic to ANY look but the antique finish on this one takes the cake!!img_9939

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A moto jacket is a closet staple for sure!!  There are several items every woman needs to have in her closet: an amazing blazer, a little black dress, the perfect white button down, plain black pumps and a leather moto jacket.  This Wilsons Leather brown moto jacket  is the perfect closet staple.  I have paired it with cuffed distressed jeans and heels.  It would also look amazing with a pencil skirt and sweater for work.

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 I am also dying over this one and this one.

Shoes, bags and coats/jackets are the pieces you invest in.  Spending a little more on a coat that will last you for many years, is a great investment and in the long run, worth every single dollar. Wilsons Leather has SO many different options of coats/jackets in leather, wool, faux fur and more! Additionally, they sell brands like Kenneth Cole and Andrew Marc.  They also sell some of the best accessories like handbags, scarves and shoes. As I said earlier…the ultimate One Stop Shop!!!

Wilsons Leather is currently having an ah-mazing Halloween sale! 75% off select styles and 50% off EVERYTHING else plus free shipping on orders of $50+ with the code “SCARY”. 

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*I received this product courtesy of Wilsons Leather, however, all opinions are entirely my own

*This post is supported by Shopping Links

Love/Hate – Free People

This knit moto though...
This knit moto though…

So I legit have a love/hate relationship with Free People.  Actually lets call it an ‘obsessed/hate’ relationship.  I am obsessed with their pieces.  I mean ALL of their pieces.  What can I say, I am a hippie at heart. 🙂  I hate them because sometimes, they can be a little pricey.  Not that their pieces are not worth it.  They absolutely are worth it but sometimes, I just cant justify spending $198 on a heavy, thick extremely cozy sweater when you have a child in catholic school and every sport known to man.

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With that being said, sometimes I sneak a purchase and hide it in the trunk of my car until no one is home an then slip it in the closet.  Now come on…you cant tell me you have never done that.  If you haven’t, you damn sure thought about doing it…haha.  This knit moto jacket is that purchase.  God I love this jacket.  It is so comfy and different.  I mean how often do you see knit jackets with a funky texture and design.  I paired it with this turtleneck from Forever 21 (under $25), my favorite cropped jeans from Express (sold out but similar here) and of course, heels.

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Shop the entire look below.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  

xoxoHillxoxo

30 Things I Have Learned in 36 Years

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Everyone always says the older you get the wiser you become. Well, if this isn’t true, I don’t know what is. It seems the older I get, the more “ah-ha” moments I have. You know, when you say “ah-ha” and you just finally get it. FINALLY!! Then, you look back and think, damn I was stupid as shit in my 20’s.

Oh the 20’s. The decade when you are still trying to find yourself,  yet you think you know EVERYTHING! No one can tell you anything. Why? Because you already know everything. Just thinking about it gives me a little chuckle. So so soooooo stupid. No clue what life is REALLY about. I can say I have had more “ah-ha” moments in the 6 years of my 30’s then I had in 29 years. I’ll give you a second to do that math?

Okay, so all these “ah-ha” moments have led up to this exact moment. This moment of typing this blog entry and watching Monday’s episode of General Hospital. Yes, General Hospital!!  I have been watching it since I was 12 and have only missed a handful of episodes in all these years. Sorry for the digression but I always have to give a little background on my love affair with General Hospital. So, back to this moment…I want to share with you the many things I have learned in this short time I have been around.  This short time has lead up to this moment right here!!  Some are common sense but we all know, sometimes, we loose our common sense.  It just runs right out the door.  Then, there will be a time when it comes running right back in and you say ‘oh hey bae! Your back….THANK GOD!!!!’  So, here is a list of things…lessons if you will, that I have learned over the years.

  1. Family- you can’t choose them, they will usually be there for everything, but they are also the ones that can hurt you the most.
  2. Nothing….I repeat NOTHING is guaranteed.
  3. Child birth is not as painful as people have been telling you since your teenage years. Not that painful at all.
  4. Get a dog. At least one in your lifetime. Dogs are the only living thing that will absolutely love you unconditionally. No matter what!!!!!
  5. Make time for yourself. Everyone, man or women, child or adult, needs time for just themselves.
  6. Live alone at least once. It’s the time that you really find yourself. You want to make sure you can live with yourself. If you can’t, then shit, how do you expect someone else too.
  7. A little struggle is good.  Having some struggles in life helps you to enjoy the times that seem easy and carefree.
  8. Admit your mistakes – I know, I know!!! Sometimes that’s the absolute worst feeling.  To me, I used to feel like I was defeated.  Now, it makes me feel liberated.  Own your shit.  Be able to say “I did this or that and I was absolutely wrong and I know this.”  Then move on.  When you start to do this, you begin to know yourself a little better each time.
  9. Be a good friend.  “Friends” are hard to find.  Real, good, true, loyal friends.  As you get older, you realize most of those people you thought you could NOT live without are no longer in your life.  And look…you are still living.  When you find that good, honest, true friend…be good to them.  Love them even when they are not at their best. They will love you at your worst.  Keep their secrets and they will keep yours. Love them and make sure they know it.  You have to be a good friend to find a good friend.
  10. Don’t sweat the small stuff and its ALL small stuff.
  11. Be silly with your children.  Let them be silly.  Children are so innocent and pure.  Allow them to laugh and play and be goofy.  Be goofy with them.  It will make your bond so much stronger.
  12. Get a hobby.  Something that you absolutely love doing.  Something that is yours and only yours.  Do it. Love it. Enjoy it.
  13. Love hard.  What is the point of ‘kind of’ loving someone? Or being with someone you don’t love ALL THE WAY.  Life is about love.  When you find that person to love…love them hard.  Love them through any and everything.  Love them NO MATTER WHAT!!!
  14. Be as honest as you can with your kids.  I tell my son everything.  When he gets older and hears about drugs and alcohol in school or has questions about girls, I will ALWAYS be open and honest with him about anything he wants to know.  This not only bonds you more with your child but they will be learning it from you not some stranger or another kid claiming to be their ‘friend.’  Tell your kids your experiences in life….just keep it real with them.  They will love you so much for it.
  15. Regret is a bitch.  A big bitch.  Don’t have regrets.  Do what makes YOU happy.  No matter what anyone….ANYONE, has to say about it. Ultimately, this is your journey, your book and you are the author.
  16. Be patient.  Nothing that’s good comes easy.  Work hard and be patient.  Your dreams will all come true one day.
  17. After your children are adults, be a friend to them.  A friend! Not the parent who says ‘do this’ or ‘do that’.  Be that person they can come to with EVERYTHING.  I cant wait to be that person with my Joey.
  18. Your first instincts are most likely correct.
  19. You can’t change anyone.  Stop trying.
  20. Be you.  There is no one else better at it.
  21. You will never regret having a/another child.  You will regret not having one/another.
  22. Keep it 100% (real) ALL the time.
  23. Only pick a career that you LOVE to do.  If not, you will wake up every single day as Miserable Molly and well, that’s just no way to live your life.
  24. Having a child doesn’t mean you have to loose yourself.  Yes, you love your child/children with everything you have, but you also need you time and/or ‘us’ time with your significant other.  If you loose yourself in your children, you wont remember who you are when your children become adults and you aren’t taking care of them as you needed to when they were younger.
  25. Travel the world.  See as many different places as you can.  You are only here once….
  26. Learn about everything you can.  Knowledge truly IS power.
  27. Try your best to enjoy and love your parents while they are here.  They have lived in this world without you.  You have never lived without them.
  28. Life is more about the journey and less about the destination.
  29. (for my women readers) -Find a man who loves you.  REALLY loves you.  Ruins your lipstick instead of your mascara.  Tells you that you are beautiful not pretty.  Calls you his lady or women not his girl. Walks on the outside of you.  Protects you.  Rubs your feet when he knows you have had a hard day.  Wants to see you smile more than anything in the world. Then when you find him.  Keep him.  Love him.
  30. Life isn’t fair.  You need to learn to deal with it.

So that’s it!!  I mean I probably could go on and one but I will stop at 30 now.  It is so funny because, according to the back end of my blog, I originally started this post on June 8th.  I kept adding to it and saving it.  Kept going back and forth with ‘should I post this?’ and ‘should I not post this?’  Then I remembered, I love going to fashion blogs that I frequent and seeing something different.  So I figured, what the hell…what so I have to loose.  I am so glad I choose to share with you and I hope you can take some of these life lessons / words of advice or whatever you choose to call it and remember them when you need too!

That’s all folks.  Don’t worry, my next post will be about fashion:)

Oh and don’t forget to follow me on Facebook!!  

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Love you guys!

xoxoHillaryxoxo

 

The Moto Jacket

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The good ol moto jacket.  A closet staple for the past, lord knows how many years.  The moto jacket is just a symbol of bad assness.  Now, if you’ve been following me for awhile you know I like to make up words.  Today, the word is ‘assness’ and that’s because we are talking about the moto jacket.  I have several and love them with everything.  My favorite way to wear a moto jacket is with skinny jeans or flared jeans, an amazing scarf and the moto.  You cant beat that look.  It is always fierce to death.

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I decided to pair this moto jacket with an all black look; pencil skirt and a mock turtleneck.  I wore this to work.  Obvi took off the jacket but rocked it when I wasn’t sitting at my desk.  I got so many compliments on it.  Its hard to find a GOOD moto jacket that has a great cut and looks amazing.

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The best thing about this moto jacket is, the collar comes off and you can wear as a plain black moto jacket (see below).

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Moto Jacket – here and here

Pencil Skirt – here (currently price matched)

Mock Turtleneck – here

Loubs – sold out but similar here

Cuff Denim – sold out but identical here

Below, I have gathered up a few of my favorite moto jackets of this season at all price points.

Thanks for stopping by my friends!

Don’t forget to follow along on my new Facebook page (click here to follow)

xoxoHillxoxo

 

Bag Borrow or Steal? Yes Please!

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Hey y’all.  So I have this little tiny secret.  Actually, it really huge and awesome and when I tell you, I think you will think so too.  There is a place, where you can get the bag of your dreams, without dipping into your kids college tuition money and when you get tired of it, you can send it back and be done….or rent another:)

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I will pause and let you think about all this amazingness (I know, its not a word).

So, its called Bag Borrow or Steal or BBOS if you will.  Have you heard of it?  I don’t know about you but I love the idea of being able to change things up a little bit.  Well, BBOS is the perfect fix for me and any of you ladies out there who are feeling the same way.  They have hundreds of new bags and you can actually borrow them for 30 days at a super reasonable price.  Then, if your still in love with it, you can renew your rental automatically or you can send it back.  Its that easy.  If your like me, you forget things very easily just because you have so much on your mind. Well, BBOS sends you a reminder email when its time to ship back.

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They have everything from Louis Vuitton and Chanel to Alexander Wang and Fendi.  If you have a special event to go to…your best friends wedding, special vacation, your 20 year high school reunion (to which you have to be all things fabulous of course) or just want to have a fabulous bag for the month and not ready to commit to that $3,000 bag you’ve been eyeing, then BBOS is all you babes.

Below are a few of my favorite bags listed on Bag Borrow or Steal and all are available for rent.

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So, if you ARE ready to commit to that $3,000 bag you’ve been eyeing than Bag Borrow or Steal is still for YOU.  They not only have bags to rent, but they have bag to buy too.  Hence, the ‘Steal’ in Bag Borrow or Steal. They have some amazing pre-loved bags at even more amazing prices.  Honestly, in this day and age, most people I know are looking for deals on pre-loved bags instead of paying full price in the department stores.  Often times, its just not worth it when you can get the same bag in brand new condition for 40% + off.

Below are a few of my favorite bags listed on Bag Borrow or Steal and all are currently for sale.

Thanks for stopping by.

xoxoHillxoxo

 

Just Another Off the Shoulder Sweater…

img_8517Hey y’all. Well, it’s Thursday morning which means we have two more working days until this weekend. Work has been an absolute nightmare lately preparing for our corporate annual audit. I’ve been with my company for over 7 years and every single year, I stress beyond belief when preparing for our audit. I know it’s crazy because we can only do what we can do. Then everything else, well, it just HAS to be okay!! Being a perfectionist doesn’t help with this as I want EVERYTHING perfect. Not to mention my annual bonus is based off of this audit. I’m noticing that there are many people who do not have the same work ethic as I do.  I mean, it almost seems as if they don’t car about their jobs. I’ve never seen so many people care less about work. Calling out whenever, not doing their work, missing deadlines. I mean it’s a hot hell of a mess and it drives me crazy. I don’t like writing people up but I mean come people…get it together. For those of y’all who really do care about your careers and have a great work ethic, well than ‘high hand touch’ to you ✋

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img_8478So enough of that! Let’s talk about this sweater. I am literally obsessed. I had the green one (seen here) and just had to get another color. It’s so comfy and sexy with the off the shoulder drape. I’m going to be so bummed when off the shoulder is no longer the jam because I am just obsessed with it and probably won’t stop wearing it. This sweater comes in 4 colors (white, green, blue and maroon). I need them all.

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I was seriously jammin to the music. This is my ‘jammin face…’

img_8459Plus I have to say, we had so much fun shooting this. The above two shots were when a car drove by blasting their music. I was in ‘mid booty shake’ mode. Haha. Never miss an opportunity to dance. I mean, can I get an amen? So, I am wearing my favorite distressed skinny jeans and these boots from Aldo. They are from last season but they are so comfy that I refuse to get another pair of black over the knee boots. However, I have linked similar ones here and here.

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This sweater looks great with anything: shorts, skinny jeans, flares, boyfriend jeans, girlfriend jeans, a skirt…even overalls for that matter.  Its so flattering to any body style.  As you know from previous posts, I have put on a few pounds. This sweater still makes me feel a little sexy.  And we know feeling sexy always feels great right ladies?

Really obsessed with this sweater. I need in every color.
Really obsessed with this sweater. I need in every color.

I am linking several options of places to purchase the sweater.  I am also linking my skinny jeans and sunnies.  If you want to see similar options for the boots, please click above where I spoke about the boots.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

xoxoHillxoxo

 

 

Sleeveless Trench

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Obsessed with sleeveless trench coats or should I just say vests.  It all started when I bought a double breasted khaki vest from  Ann Taylor a few years ago.  I wore it as a dress, as it was intended. That was until I gain a little weight and then this fabulous khaki dress with leather trim just wouldn’t button.  So, I wore it as a vest.  Which was a huge success.  Everywhere I wore it, I received compliments and questions.  Then, when I tell people it is really a dress, the look on their face is usually similar to the look on ones face when you go to sit in a friends car and there is just SHIT everywhere and you are thinking how to tell them, you would rather walk.  Click here and here to see the dress turned vest.  I love it.  So, since then, I have bought several including one wool vest (seen here) that I am absolutely in love with.  So, the collection keep getting larger and larger.  With cooler temps in the near future, when I saw this sleeveless trench, I just knew I had to have it.  Its not heavy or bulky, its perfect over a tank top (like this) or your favorite turtleneck (like this).

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Now, y’all know I LOVE finding great deals!  Well, here is another one for you.  This sleeveless trench is under $25!!!!!!!!  Yup!  Under $25.  You just can’t beat that deal.  $25 for the trench, that leaves more money to buy shoes….or a bag….or SHOES and a BAG!!!!

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Thanks so much for stopping by.  Hope you all have a great weekend.  Below, you can shop my exact look along with a few other fall favorites. Follow me on Bloglovin’

xoxoHillxoxo

Bag Borrow or Steal – Louis Vuitton Bag

Sleeveless Trench c/o Shein

Jeans – Express (low in stock) – Similar

Tank – Free People

Heels – Target – Similar

 

Shop my wish list below:

 

 

Chunky Sweater Lovin

This may just be the softest sweater ever made!
This may just be the softest sweater ever made!

I remember being younger and my mom telling me ‘Hill, you need to watch what you eat. As you get older. Its harder and harder to loose the weight. Well, let me tell you ladies. This is the absolute truth. I remember being able to eat anything I wanted: ice cream for dinner, cereal at 1 am, pancakes for lunch, etc. and not gain a single pound.  Now, everything goes directly to my ass.  Its like my ass says’here it comes’ and just sucks up all the food as soon as it goes into my body.  In high school, I was about 119 pounds.  I was always thin.  When I got pregnant, I was a size 4 and only went up to a size 6.  As a matter of fact, when I was pregnant, I still wore my regular jeans, I just used a belly band since I could’t button them. Now, I am at my largest weight. I am not fat, I am not skinny…I am somewhere in between.  I am realizing what my mama said to me all these years was absolutely true.  I mean, I have this pouch under my stomach {vision a kangaroo} that I honestly didn’t know existed.  I mean I knew it was there but I didn’t know it could get larger. I will pause for a brief minute to allow you to chuckle or look down at the pouch below your stomach so you can envision what I am talking about.

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So, because I am uncomfortable, I have decided to do something about it.  I am joining AmeriKick. They have just opened one by my house and I heard so many good things about it so I have decided to be like Nike…. and just DO IT!  I will definitely let y’all know how it goes.  I am kind of excited about this new adventure and hopefully getting healthier all while getting back to my old size,

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So, since I have this pouch (not really a pouch but it would be cool if it was and I could store stuff in it…haha), I am no longer wearing tops that are fitted.  I am looking for pieces that are a looser fit. If I do wear a fitted top, I am definitely throwing a cardi over top. I mean really!!!  If I didn’t, and I saw me out, I would most definitely talk about myself. This sweater from Free People (one of my all time favorite brands) is extremely soft and comfortable.  When choosing sweaters, it is all about comfort.  I don’t want to have a big sweater on. Stiff and bulky are simply uncomfortable.  Sweaters that can double as a coat on cold days are key!!  With this sweater, you can throw on a long sleeve tee fitted (like this) or a turtleneck (like this) and leave the coat at home.  

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Louis Vuitton bag from Bag Borrow or Steal which I will tell you all about in a separate post. Needless to say I am obsessed with them and will forever use them.  Forever ever? Forever ever!!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Don’t forget to follow me on Bloglovin’.

Shop this sweater (currently on sale!!!) and everything else below.  I think I need the other two colors too!!

xoxoHillxoxo

Belle of the Ball…Or Something Like That

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Hey y’all…happy Friday.  I couldn’t be more happy its Friday. Not only is it my favorite day of the week, especially after 5pm, but I am excited about this weekends plans.  I know y’all working mama’s out there can relate.  You are so busy during the week with work and kid activities, that when the weekend comes and you have something planned, nothing else is more exciting.  We are definitely getting in a beach day tomorrow.  Its still extremely hot so we want to soak up the sun as much as we can before the cold weather comes.  This week/weekend is NYFW and although I was invited to 8 shows (yes!!! 8), I was not able to make it to the city for this fabulousness.  I was excited to see the shows and to meet up with a few of the amazing women I have met since I’ve started blogging.   I cant tell you how many amazing women I have met through Instagram and being a blogger wanna be (but I don’t like being called a blogger).  That being said, I have also met some not so nice people.  I mean this industry is kind of brutal.  Some women seem to always have competition on their minds instead of just seeing another woman who is doing the same thing and linking up. Prior to this, I have heard some crazy stories and just thought people were exaggerating.  Well, let me tell you, they are absolutely NOT exaggerating.  A few weeks ago, I asked someone a question about collaborating with a particular company and the response I received was, ‘Well, you will just have to find out on your own.’  I think I read the message about 50 times over before I realized, yes, this is what she said.   I mean really?  If I have information, I get so pumped to share it with other women.  I cant get upset though, that is their own insecurities I guess. Needless to say, I am still excited and again, have met so many amazing women during this process.  Look, I am simply doing this for fun.  I am not doing it for money or fame or anything like that.  I simply wanted an outlet to express myself and my love of fashion.  So the few rude people I have met who think way too much of themselves, can really just take a seat.

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Now, to more important things like this off the shoulder topAs you know, I am obsessed with off the shoulder tops.  I shared in my post herewhy I love OTS tops.  This one is another great find under $20 (definitely size up in this top and pay close attention to sizing).  If you haven’t noticed, bell sleeves are all the trend.  I just think they add such a sex touch to any blouse, sweater, etc.  This top is slightly longer in the back so you can pair it with jeans or leggings and a high boot.  I paired them with skinny jeans AND my favorite girlfriend jeans (currently on sale, buy 1 get one for $29.90).  

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I will easily be wearing this top into the fall. Yes, its off the shoulder but with some tights/leggings and OTK boots like these or  these, this top will work out perfectly.

Outfit details:

Below, I am sharing a few of my favorite tops, some are summer and some for fall but one thing they all are is….affordable!!  Don’t forget to pay close attention to the sizing.  If you have questions about the sizing, let me know.  I am happy to help.

As always, thanks so much for stopping by.  I know life can be crazy sometimes, so I am so happy you took the time to get a little sassy.

Have a great weekend and don’t forget to follow along on Bloglovin

xoxoHillxoxo