@simplysarahsblog

I started an Instagram account for my blog. I have had a personal account for a few years, but I keep it super private (no one following) and only use it to edit photos and follow bloggers. So, I guess this is really my first official, share-photos, follow-me account. 

You can find me at @simplysarahsblog.

I've even added some fun new buttons from Etsy to the side of my blog in case y'all want to follow along on Bloglovin', Instagram, or if you just want to send an email my way :)

Today is the day I step into current social media trends. 

But I refuse to get a twitter... for now.

Peace,
Sarah

Read More

A Little Lilly and A Lot of Color

 Remember that one time Target did a collaboration with Lilly Pulitzer and it turned into a notorious event deemed "Pink Sunday"? I will admit that I did go to Target that day, but not at the crack of dawn like a lot of shoppers who were clearly more informed about the demand then I was. I honestly didn't think it would be such a big deal! My friend Natalie and I already had plans to shop for supplies for a work event and decided to make Target one of our stops. Like everyone else, we found the shelves pretty bare, with the exception of a few items. Most of the clothing I had wanted to try was taken, but I was able to score a yellow halter top that I had on my list, but that was it - at least until this past weekend.

I needed to pick up some new soap Sunday, stopped by our local Target, and what did I find? A rack with a decent amount of the Lilly by Target merchandise (yay returns). It was mostly children's clothes and random sizes, but there were a few hidden gems. Among them was a pair of white shorts and a very colorful floral tank top that was actually the piece I had most wanted to try. I guess patience pays off, eh?

Top: Lilly by Target (exact, similar)

Cardigan: Gap Outlet (similar)

Shorts: Gap Outlet (similar)

Ring: Sophie Harper (similar)

Pearl Bracelets: Old (similar)

Watch: Boutique in South Korea (similar)

Gold Bangle: Gorjana (exact)

Sandals: Target (exact)

Purse: Coach, from Garage Sale - thanks mom! (similar)

 The pattern is a lot bolder and more colorful than I typically wear, but I really like how vibrant and summery it is. Plus, the neon coloring tends to make my skin look more tan than it actually is and that is always a win in my book. Did you notice the subtle pineapple accent on my shirt's zipper? Have I mentioned I love that trend right now?

Peace,
Sarah

Note: I am trying my first link-ups with The Pleated Poppy, Style Elixir, Pumps and Pushups, Mix&MatchFashion, DousedInPink and SydneyFashionHunter:)

Read More

Save or Splurge: Pineapples

Happy Tuesday everyone! I hope your weeks are off to a great start. 

Today I wanted to share more save-or-splurge items involving a trend I have been seeing and loving: pineapples! Has anyone else noticed this tasty treat becoming the focal point of shoes, jewelry, clothes, etc? Pineapples are the perfect summer fruit and now they're becoming a great summer accessory or accent. 

shoes: left | right

tank: left | right

tote: left | right

Another thing that I love about this trend is that not all pieces are obnoxiously loud and in your face. There is a time and place for your wardrobe to say "Hi there, pineapple here!" (see the shoes and bags above - I'm in love with the Kaanas espadrilles). But there are also more subtle uses of the fruit in patterns that give a little interest without screaming "I'm wearing fruit!" (like the patterns found in the two tank tops). 

As far as jewelry, Jessica over at Bedknobs and Bobbles shared these adorable pineapple studs last week, which would be another great way to add a pineapple to your look --- never a phrase I thought I would use... but hey, they're pretty great!

Any way you slice it (see what I did there), pineapples are making quite an appearance this summer. Has this summer trend found its way into your closet yet?

Peace,
Sarah

Read More

A Touch of Glam

necklace: Loft (exact, similar)

I've been playing around with jewelry lately. I love seeing the difference accessories can make to an outfit. For example, yesterday I was wearing a super simple outfit consisting of a striped cotton top and jeans. Simple, easy, but also very plain. I didn't want to change clothes (comfy wins in my book), but I did want to look more put together. I took a look through my jewelry and was instantly pulled to a necklace I bought a wile back from the Loft. It wasn't a combination I would normally pair, but I decided to give it a try. Loved it. The contrasting of sparkle and cotton was exactly what I was looking for. A little touch of glam took my outfit from meh to yeah.

Do you have any tips for glamming up a simple outfit?

Peace,

Sarah

Read More

From That, To This: Brussels Sprouts

Happy Friday everyone! Today I wanted to share a recipe my roommate, Torrey, introduced me too earlier this year. It's a very simple and very delicious brussels sprouts dish made on your stovetop with only four ingredients. 

My housemates and I love them. It seems like someone in the apartment is always making this dish, which usually sparks another one of us to join in the fun as well. In fact, while I was cooking to prepare this post, Torrey came by and ate a bowl with me.

If you have sworn off brussels sprouts from a young age, I encourage you to give them another try. I think these tasty veggies get a bad rap and I know some of you are still probably thinking "brussels sprouts? ewwww." Try them out! You may be pleasantly surprised.

Ingredients:

brussels sprouts

coconut oil

balsamic vinaigrette

parmesan cheese 

Begin by washing your brussels sprouts and cutting them in half. After you're finished chopping, heat about a teaspoon of coconut oil in a pan. Once the oil is melted, put in the sprouts with the flat, cut side facing down. Let them cook for about 3 minutes or until they are desired amount of brown. (I like mine a little crispier.) Stir the brussels sprouts and splash in a tablespoon of balsamic vinaigrette. Let the veggies absorb the vinaigrette and cook for another minute or so. Just a warning, the vinaigrette will change the color of the sprouts so they may look slightly more burnt than you intended. Put the brussels sprouts in a bowl, sprinkle them with some parmesan cheese, and that's it.

I hope you enjoy this recipe! Do you have any delicious ways to use brussels sprouts in a dish? I'd love to hear it!

Peace,

Sarah

Read More

Save or Splurge: Sandals

Well, it's that time of the year again: sandal time! (Or so my friends in the midwest tell me. It's pretty much always sandal time in California...) Either way, summer is coming, which means stores are being stocked with new sandals to show off freshly painted toes.

This summer I decided to look for a nice cognac pair. After browsing the different choices, I put together a list of some "saves or splurges" to share with y'all, though a couple are in different colors. 

(From top to bottom)

Left: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Right: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

I bought the top left pair from Target (here) and love them. They're versatile, comfy, and easy to slip on and off. I have a feeling they're going to be my go-to pair of shoes this summer. Plus, Target is having a buy-one-get-one-50%-off sale on select apparel, shoes and accessories which includes both pairs shared above! I chose this wallet as my second item because my old one recently bit the dust. The bold color and plenty of pockets and card slots made it a great choice. 

Have you bought any new sandals this summer? Which style do you prefer?

Peace,
Sarah

Read More

A Pop of Cobalt

Top: Old Navy (exact)

Jeans: Old from Gap (similar, non-distressed)

Shoes: Old from Khols

Earrings: Kendra Scott (exact)

Watch: Boutique in South Korea (similar)

Sometimes the easiest  best outfit is a pair of old jeans and white tank top paired with fun accessory. I love the pop of color, interest and glamour the earrings give to such a simple, comfortable outfit. They were an easy fix to make me feel a little more put together amidst the whirlwinds of running errands. 

(I just wish the photo of the full outfit showed them! I will get this photo thing down, I promise.)

What's your favorite accessory to brighten an easy outfit?

Also, please excuse the wrinkly shirt. I am developing a love-hate relationship for some of Old Navy's newer tops. The material is super soft, but they wrinkle like nobody's business. I ironed it just before taking photos and it still got wrinkled! Is anyone else experiencing this? Any tips for keeping them wrinkle-free for longer?

Peace,

Sarah

Read More