by The Perennial Style | Oct 12, 2017 | Style
My blog post was written as a part of my collaboration with eBay.
I’m a total shoe addict. From luxury labels to designer dupes, I can’t get enough. While I have my tried and true favorites, there’s nothing I love more than a new pair of kicks. This season there are so many new shoe trends I’m loving, from chunky-heeled mules to chic sneakers. Out of all of the quirky new shoes to steal the spotlight this season, I can’t seem to get enough of ornate and velvet booties. This bold trend is the easiest way to add a pop to any outfit – and while this style may not last through every season, these booties are an absolute must-have for Fall.
Since I spend most of my days online researching the newest fashion trends, I’m always coveting new styles – but it’s important to remember to budget and not get carried away by the latest and greatest. One way I’ve been able to wear the newest trends without breaking the bank is with eBay. While a lot of the merchandise on eBay is second-hand, over 80% of the items for sale are brand new – crazy, right?
I’ve been shopping on eBay for as long as I can remember, and I’ve also sold a lot of my own items on eBay over the years. It’s a great source for snagging designer pieces, great deals on new trends, and finding unique styles to amp up your wardrobe. That being said, if you’ve never shopped on eBay before, it can be a bit intimidating at first. If you’re not looking for something super specific, you may find yourself scrolling through thousands of items in hopes of finding something chic. Unlike major department stores, you may have to filter through some not-so-trendy items, BUT if you use my tips below it will help you score the best items – including the ones you never even knew you needed!
8 TIPS FOR FINDING THE LATEST TRENDS FOR LESS ON EBAY
1 – Shop The Events – One of my favorite places to get a little shopping inspiration is from the eBay shopping events. eBay highlights the top trends OR seasonal must-haves, so you can easily find trending items. I found these boots from the “Step Into Something New Event”, and I love them already!
2 – Search For Brands You Know And Love – One of the trickiest parts of ordering clothes online from any retailer is determining the right size. By shopping brands you already have in your closet, you can easily find the right size. Plus, it’s a great way to stock up on additional styles from your favorite designers. I’ve been wearing these Mother jeans all season, so I snagged another pair off of eBay in a darker wash this week for only $30 – talk about a win.
3 – Rebuy Old Favorites – Following with the last tip, I love rebuying old favorites. If I fall in love with a pair of shoes, I have a tendency to wear them to bits. In which case, I can generally find another pair on eBay for a fraction of the cost! True story, I’ve gone through four pairs of my nude Baldan wedges (worn here), and I just found another replacement again this summer! They were originally $850, but I found each replacement for around $100. Since I knew my exact size and style, it was easy for me to rebuy.
4 – Explore The Seller’s Other Items – If you find an item you love, click the seller’s profile to see the rest of their items. Chances are you share the same personal style, and her former closet will be your own personalized shopping experience. (Bonus: if you’re shopping for designer shoes, you can scroll through an entire shop of your exact size!)
5 – Be Specific – Make your search easier and less time consuming by being specific about what you want to find. Searching “velvet boots” will give you THOUSANDS of results – and most likely a lot you won’t love. Make it simpler by searching a trendy brand you love and add color and size, example: “Steve Madden Blue Velvet Booties sz 7.5”. This will pull up exactly what you’re looking to find immediately and will save a lot of time and effort.
6 – Buy It Now – If the seller offers Buy It Now and you think the price is fair, go ahead and buy it now. It will speed along your shopping process, plus you can immediately have the item delivered at an exact date. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about betting it out with another buyer in hopes of winning. From my experience, the auction price generally ends up around the same price at the original Buy It Now rate – if you want it, snag it.
7 – Research The Seller – Check the store ratings, shop from established sellers, and read their reviews. This is the most important tip to remember when shopping on eBay. If you’re buying something, especially something with a hefty price tag, shop from established sellers. Have they made a lot of sales? Do they have a lot of positive reviews? Are most of their items authentic and similar to the styles you’re purchasing? If the answer is yes to these questions, you can count on a smooth shopping process!
8 – Check The Returns Policy – Ok as a seller, it’s tempting to sell items with no returns (if I’m cleaning my closet, do I really want the chance of an item coming back?), but offering returns allows the shopper to have a fair shopping experience and guarantees satisfaction. When you’re shopping on eBay, be sure to pay attention to the returns policy. If you order a pair of boots that are a half size too small, it’s nice to know you can send them back and try again. A returns policy also guarantees the item you receive is exactly as described.
Whether I’m looking for ways to wear the newest trends or looking to refill my closet with quality basics, I can always find something I love on eBay. As I mentioned above, I love shopping from designers I already know and love. It’s a guaranteed way to stock up on my favorite brands, while saving a lot of money! Some of my favorite brands to shop on ebay: Steve Madden, Mother Denim, Show Me Your MuMu, Flynn Skye, Vince, Free People, Theory, and Sam Edelman.
So next time you’re scrolling through Pinterest and fall in love with a specific item or new trend, be sure to search for it on eBay. I guarantee you will find what you’re looking for at a fraction of the cost!
Have you shopped on eBay? Tell us about your experience, tips, or favorite items you found in the comments below! Xo
by The Perennial Style | Oct 11, 2017 | Style
I don’t know about y’all, but I remember loving one shoulder tanks in the early millennium. I got my first one at Abercrombie Kids, and these skin tight tanks were essential for being “cool” at that age. I believe they were replaced by the tube top, then slowly disappeared for a decade. Well thanks to fashion’s crazy cycle of trends, one shoulder tops are back and really having a moment. What I love about the new one shoulder trend is that it’s more sophisticated and feminine than the thick strap tank, and we’re seeing so many chic long sleeve styles – perfect for Fall.
This Amanda Uprichard one shoulder blouse is one of my favorite tops of the season. The fit is super flattering, and the shape ties in another one of the season’s biggest trends: ruffles. Since it’s a statement top, it ties every outfit together. I wore it with skinnies and statement earrings for a Friday night, but I also plan to pair it with a midi skirt and structured handbag for a luncheon look. It’s also super cute pair with white jean cut-offs, a logo belt, and mules. It’s super easy to style and always makes a chic statement! (Note: Unfortunately this top was a top seller and it just sold out – BUT here’s a link to the maroon and black version.)
If you haven’t added any one-shoulder tops to your wardrobe yet, I highly recommend it! I’ve rounded up a selection of some of my favorites below, so be sure to check them out.
Ten One Shoulder Tops For Fall
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by The Perennial Style | Oct 10, 2017 | Style
Loubibaby via
The day has finally come, Christian Louboutin is launching Loubibaby baby shoes!
We all have a list of firsts we’ll never forget – our first car, our first day of college, our first job. Well one first that was monumental as a lifelong shoe lover was my first pair of Louboutins. I was visiting Blair at SMU in Dallas during my senior year of boarding school, and my mom bought a pair of black pumps with a gold bow and the essential red sole for me at the Northpark Barneys (RIP, Dallas Barneys). Getting to pick any pair of red sole shoes off of a beautiful display felt like a dream come true – if you know how much I love shoes, you will understand. While it may seem like a lot to spend on a pair of heels, the quality is amazing and I still have them to this day. It was a start of a collection that I have continued (and will continue) to grow for years to come!
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While an infant may not remember their first pair of Loubibaby shoes (sad story), the $250 price point of these new kicks makes them a little more reasonable for such a monumental shoe! Imagine looking back at baby portraits and seeing a tiny red sole – seriously, can it get any cuter??
For this exciting new collection, Christian Louboutin has teamed up with Gwyneth Paltrow for a limited edition time capsule collection for her brand, Goop. The collection will feature a mary jane style shoe with a bow, and it will be available in red satin, blue satin, and gold nappa laminato. The collection launches on November 16th on goop.com and Goop holiday pop-ups.
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Along with the children’s collection, Gwyneth Paltrow and Christian Louboutin are also launching four classic women’s shoes – a pointed toe pump, a Parisian pump, an ankle boot, and a loafer. The collection features timeless investment pieces designed to share with daughters and nieces for years to come. Click here to shop the women’s collection.
Shop Goop x Christian Louboutin
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So next time you’re shopping for a Tiffany’s spoon or a Herend figurine, consider the Loubibaby shoes as the luxury gift of choice. Whether you’re expecting or simply looking for the PERFECT baby gift, be sure to get your hands on a pair of these! #obsessed
Throwback to Goop’s Pop-Up with Gwyneth Paltrow
What do you think of the Christian Louboutin x Goop Loubibaby shoes? Let us know in the comments below!
by The Perennial Style | Oct 9, 2017 | City Guides, Europe, Slovenia, Travel
As a travel blogger, it’s no surprise I have a never-ending case of wanderlust. I’m constantly dreaming of new places to visit and new destinations to explore. One of my favorite places I visited this year was Lake Bled, Slovenia. It truly felt like a fairytale city – and I highly recommend you visit! It’s a picture-perfect destination for a romantic getaway or simply a little R&R.
From numerous castles, historic churches, and former Yugoslavic President Tito’s summer home, it’s a charming and historic city you need on your radar. Check out my tips below and what to do, where to stay, where to eat and more!
How To Get There:
There are numerous ways to get to Bled, so it’s easy to build a variety of itineraries to include a trip to Bled. We drove from Bratislava to Lake Bled on our trip and then continued to Ljubljana a few days later.
- From Ljubljana: 45 minute drive through the Julian Alps
- From Venice: 3 hour drive
- From Bratislava: 4.5 hour drive
- From Vienna: 4 hour drive
Click here to read about how we rented a car in Europe
Where To Stay:
- Vila Bled – During our trip we stayed at Vila Bled, and it was absolutely magical. It’s on the far end of the lake, so it’s a bit more peaceful and quiet. I highly recommend this one! (click here to read my full review!)
- Grand Hotel Toplice – This is another great option to consider for your stay. It’s only a few minutes from Vila Bled, but it’s in a busier area. The hotel is a lot bigger and has tons of restaurants. If you’re hoping to explore town, this is a great spot. It has the same great views as our hotel!
What To Do:
- Visit Bled Castle – This medieval castle is one of the oldest castles in Slovenia. Plan a trip to visit and enjoy the best views of Slovenia. Tip: come hungry and enjoy a bite to eat or a cocktail on the terrace.
- Vintgar Gorge – If you’re looking for a beautiful hike, be sure to add Vintgar Gorge to your list. It’s located in the Triglav National Park and is often regarded as one of the most extraordinary natural wonders of Slovenia. (Note: we relied solely on BMW GPS and somehow we got lost 6 times trying to get there. Be sure to get directions before you leave your hotel. While Bled is incredibly peaceful, Vintgar Gorge can get busy with travelers – plan a visit early in the day or before sunset to beat the crowds!)
- Row A Boat To Explore Bled Church on Bled Island – One of our favorite activities during our visit was taking a rowboat to Bled Island. Vila Bled offers free rowboats for guests, but you can always rent one if you’re not staying at the hotel. It’s such a peaceful experience, and the water below is crystal clear! Once you get to the island, you can explore the church, grab a coffee, and shop some of the local gifts. Fun fact: It’s tradition for a groom to carry his new bride up the 98 steps to the top of the tower and ring the bell. Once this happens, the couple’s dreams will come true and they will enjoy a perfect marriage forever.
- Hike Up Ojstrica For The Best Views Of The Lake – Pack your sneakers and spend a morning hiking up Ojstrica. It’s so peaceful and offers a great view of the lake.
- Go Skiing – Though we planned our trip during the summer, we hear the skiing is amazing! We definitely plan to come back in the winter to experience it.
- Go For A Walk Around The Lake – The lake itself is not too large, so you should plan to take a leisurely stroll (or run) to get a feel for the area. Lake Bled is definitely an area of peace and relaxation, so try to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible!
Where To Eat:
- Have A Kremsnita Cake (Cream Cake) For Happy Hour At Cafe Belvedere – You can’t come to Bled without trying the cream cake. I recommend grabbing a table on the patio of Cafe Belvedere at sunset, grab a glass of vino, and a slice of cake for an incredible experience.
- Vila Bled Restaurant – Despite the delicious menu of local favorites, I loved the ambiance of this restaurant. The food was incredible, the service was impeccable, the formal dresscode was so refreshing, and the views were unforgettable. You have to try it.
- Pizzaria Rustika Bled – If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, stop by Pizzaria Rustika Bled. The menu has some of the best (and unique) pizzas, so I highly recommend it! Since it’s located in town, you can explore some of the local shops after you eat.
- Bled Castle – As mentioned above, Bled Castle is also amazing spot to eat! Be sure to make a reservation in advance to waive the castle entry fee.
- Okarina Restaurant – If you love Indian food, add Okarina Restaurant to your list. It’s has a Slovenian twist on classic Indian dishes, and so many vegetarian options. Make a reservation in advance.
Nearby Attractions:
- Predjama Castle – Though we visited a lot of castles during our trip, this was hands down my favorite. The Renaissance castle was built into the mouth of a cave, and it’s the largest cave castle in the world. While the cave has some eery history, it’s absolutely fascinating!
- Postojna Cave – While this experience was a bit more touristy, I highly recommend it. You can visit the cave and the castle on the same visit (same ticket). Hop aboard a small train that will take you deep into the caves. It’s one of the largest caves in Slovenia and one of the most known caves in the world. The cave also features a beautiful event space deep in the cave with gorgeous chandeliers – can you imagine?!
- Ljubliana – If Ljubljana isn’t on your travel list, be sure to take a day trip to visit. It’s less than an hour away. It’s the largest city in Slovenia, so you can experience a lot of history and culture here – plus explore the nightlife scene.
Tip: Carry cash. You will need it everywhere! From the Vintgar Gorge to the castle – ATMs are hard to find and credit cards aren’t accepted everywhere, so plan ahead.
Have you been to Lake Bled? What was your favorite experience? Let us know in the comments below!
Keep scrolling to see more photos from Lake Bled:
by The Perennial Style | Sep 29, 2017 | Style
Made for the girl who’s not afraid to take risks
I think we all know by now that I LOVE clothes – from luxury designers to thrift stores, preppy to edgy, I love all fashion. That being said, every so often I stumble on a brand that I instantly fall in love with. Most recently, this brand is Flynn Skye.
Now if you’ve never heard of Flynn Skye, it’s a Venice-based brand designed by Amber Farr. Amber’s inspiration behind the brand was her daughter who “has little fear and a huge smile on her face” – how sweet is that?! Flynn Skye has a whimsical boho feel that’s flirty and feminine, casual and chic. The brand has a sexy yet down-to-earth vibe, and really it doesn’t get much better than that.
It’s one of those brands that I can always rely on – If I find a style I love, I can order it in a variety of prints. Most of the styles are breezy and casual, perfect for these transitional Fall days. Whether I’m dressing for date night, weekend brunch, or packing for a getaway (like this skirt I wore in Cabo), I can never go wrong with these pieces. Plus, they’re comfy – and let’s be real, comfort is a huge influence on my style these days!
This long sleeve dress is absolutely perfect for this time of year, and I wore it with wedges for a weeknight dinner with friends. I also plan on pairing it with ankle booties for an easy tailgate look. No matter what your style is, you seriously need to check out this brand. I’m in love.
You can shop my dress directly from Flynn Skye’s website, but I linked some of my other favorites from Revolve and Shopbop below for you to check out. I hope you love the brand as much as I do!
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