Stripes + Off the Shoulder

Photos By: Tess Ware

{Outfit details below}

Striped Off The Shoulder Dress: Nana Macs Boutique | Sunnies: Urban Outfitters | Earrings: BaubleBar similar here | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Bracelets: Stella & Dot | Nude Mules: Similar here

My summer plans are to live in off the shoulder dresses and tops. I love how lightweight they're, but also how they can dress up a look. 

I am all for simplistic and easy-going, especially because Iowa summers are like Iowa winters...it's like Frozen to Nelly.."it's getting hot in here..." One extreme to the next. 

I adore anything with stripes. When I spotted this Nana Mac's off the shoulder stripe dress here...I knew it was love at first buy. 

The pockets add such a cool element and while the dress met my "almost too short" zone...I think the length works well! #aslongasthetushisn'tshowing #mamasays

Have a wonderful week! 

Floral Off the Shoulder Top with Apricot Lane Des Moines

Photography By: Tess Ware 

{Outfit Details below}

Floral Off the Shoulder Top: Apricot Lane Des Moines | White Denim: Apricot Lane Des Moines | Cognac Mules: Old Navy | Clutch: Apricot Lane Des Moines | Sunnies: Urban Outfitters | Turquoise Ring: Apricot Lane Des Moines | Marble Ring: Apricot Lane Des Moines | Watch: Michael Kors | 

If you caught last weeks post on supporting local boutiques...y'all probably could feel my excitement through the computer screen. Small "city" town Iowa {yes, I consider Cedar Falls a city} has very limited selections when it comes to stores in general. I'm talking like the closest Nordstrom is 600 miles away. Painful, I know. That's like having Starbuck's totally unavailable! 

Anymore, it's nothing out of the ordinary to see box after box showing up at our doorstep...just ask Dustin, I literally get snap after snap with the caption "what's this?" {insert laughing emoji} I mean what is a girl to do?  

So, when it comes to physically walking into a store and making a purchase...I'm very particular! It's like the first date impression rule.... I need to seriously bond before entering! 

When I first heard Des Moines had an Apricot Lane....I could barely contain my excitement. I've order from several different Apricot Lane Boutiques in the past and have had amazing experiences, but nothing compared to the personable, relaxing, and fun environment Whitney and Sierra with Apricot Lane Des Moines provided. 

Talk about kind-hearted and the clothes weren't bad either ;) I'm all about off the shoulder tops and dresses this summer. So, sorry an advance y'all, but this floral off the shoulder top here is a MUST. Pair with these adorable distress denim here and wear your favorite summer sandal! 

Speaking of cute boutiques...Apricot Lane is having their 1 year Birthday Celebration this Saturday here, April 23rd from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Everything from d'oeuvres, a braid bar, airbrush tanning from the best Tanique Airbrush Tanning here {Traci is the sweetest}, and 25% off! your purchase #signmeup! 

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend! I'm currently in Minnesota with Dustin's side of the family for a little Junkin' fun....ladies only! 

XOXO | Mandy Nicole


In collaboration with Apricot Lane Des Moines. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting Smitten By You and the brands that keep this blog operating.

Darlin' Denim

Photos by: Tess Ware

{Outfit Details Below}

Denim Dress: Express | Sunnies: Urban Outfitters | Lips: Sephora {Stila-Bella}  | Tassel Necklace: Similar, BaubleBar | Sandals: Sam Edelman | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff {on sale} | Bracelet: Rocksbox | 

I'm totally on a denim, meets off the shoulder, meets tassel obsession lately.... I can't get enough! #bestbelieve. 

I'm totally crushing over this off the shoulder denim dress from Express. Not only is it perfect for an effortless spring look, but it's super comfortable! Bonus....the price! I'm all about affordability. 

I paired this look with these amazing Quay Sugar + Spice Mirrored sunglasses here, I mean how cute right? #ohlookanotherobsession! 

I also recently just added these Sam Edelman "Yardly Lace-Ups here to my closet and again...comfort is key. 

I've been waiting what seems like years for nice weather to reach Iowa and praise-bless-what have you....it has arrived! Spring is so bitter-sweet...if you live in the Midwest you understand! 7 out of the 12 months are insanely cold!

Speaking of spring.....what are your spring go to pieces? 

Thanks for following! 

XOXO | Mandy Nicole 

Blue Crush: Teal Daisy Boutique

Photos by: Tess Ware

{Outfit Details below}

Blue V-Neck Romper: Teal Daisy Boutique {obsessed} c/o | Sandals: Sam Edelman | Sunnies: Urban Outfitters | Necklace: RocksBox {Kendra Scott} | Earrings: BaubleBar | Bracelet: Rocksbox {Slate} | Ring: Rocksbox {Sophie Harper} | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Lips: Stila {Bella} 

This may possibly be one of my favorite looks ever {hands down or up}! I must admit I'm pretty modest when it comes to showing a little cleavage, but honestly....I'm a firm believer a little goes a long ways {Sorry Kim K}!

When it comes to my style and where I like to shop, I look for 3 things... quality, quantity, and genuineness. Pretty simple requirements, right? Sometimes you get 1 out of 3 or maybe 2 out of 3, but surprisingly that's not always the case. However, I have found some of my greatest purchases have come from small boutiques local and statewide. 

One day I stumbled upon the cutest online boutique Teal Daisy Boutique. It didn't take long for me to realize that I knew the owner through some old college friends and you guys... Jill is one of the most sweetest gals ever! I instantly formed a little sisterhood bond because lets be real she's got some pretty amazing taste in clothing! {you can totally sit with us}.

Another reason why I love Teal Daisy Boutique is pretty obvious.... it has all the qualities this girl could ask for! I'm all about people's happiness in pursing their dreams and supporting local boutiques! 

I thought it would be fun to share some of Jill's answers as to when and why she started her own online boutique...and the meaning behind the name. FYI: Jill and her sister run the boutique together...how amazing, right? This is one of those moments where I envy not growing up with a sister. #totalenvy. 

Jill: "We started the Teal Daisy Boutique 2 years ago! The name came from my sister and I's favorite color and flower. We have always wanted a boutique and thought no better way then to start one online. Eventually we will have a store front. #yougogirls! 

Heads up: Jill and her sister were sweet enough to give all you lovely followers 10% off your purchase with code "Mandy10" here's the direct link to Teal Daisy Boutique here. Shop away loves! Oh and just because #TGIF here's another amazing code for the lovely Rocksbox Jewels above code "MANDYBFF94." 

XOXO | Mandy Nicole

In collaboration with Teal Daisy Boutique. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow Smitten By You to operate. 

Spring Fling: Items under $100

Pictures by: Tess Ware & Lay Marie  

{Outfit details below}

 Striped Peplum Cami: Old Navy {only $15} | White Blazer: Similar here {under $30} | Denim: BLANKNYC {under $70} | Phlox Collar: BaubleBar {spring essential} | Fringe Pumps: JustFab 

Let me start off by first sharing this entire week has been nothing short of hectic! Super moms, dads, blogger babes, business bosses, here is a shout out for all you fabulous people! #kuddos. 

I feel like I have a weeks where I'm incredibly motivated {two jobs} and all...but then I have these weeks were I'm a complete #SLACKER. 

There are so many upsides to sharing your life and style through a blog, but I do know consistency is key and that isn't always easy! 

So, with that negativity out of the way #aintnobodygottime ;)....here are some goals I'm putting to the test and with success shall come rewards... {right}? 

1. Post more, stress less: Where are all my perfectionist at?! I'm all about great content and sometimes I can be my worse critic. I find my realist post...you know the effortless ones, are the best liked. Real is good, always. 

2. Compliment, don't compare: Guilty! There's nothing more I love than complimenting others. I find happiness in others success, but I would be lying if I didn't say I haven't perfected the whole "don't compare." So, less comparing more complimented...even if that means myself ;)

3. Less lists, more time blocking: I don't do well with restrictions....like at all! I'm notorious for "a few fries can't hurt, right?" Then follows ice cream.....then.... {you know where I'm going with this}. I feel like lists are a great for "Get as much done as you possibly can" and not "this is how much time you have for this task..." so forth. Nap times are still allowable....always!

FYI: All items are under $100....I mean! 

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO | Mandy Nicole 

Truth Thursday: Taking on the World of Blogging

Photos by: Tess Ware & Lay Marie 

Out details below 

Striped chambray Shirt: Thread & Supply {Dry Goods} | White Denim: Nordstrom | Phlox Collar Necklace: BaubleBar | Sunnies: Urban Outfitters | Purse: Similar here | Shoes: Old {similar} 

The first time I realized what my passion was, my "nitch," what truly intrigued me, was scrolling through the feeds of Cara Loren {the original Instagram fashion goddess}, Robyn Stewart, Jade Scott {A Spoonful of Style}, Alyson Haley {Sequence and Things}, and Emily Gemma {The Sweetest Thing}....just to name a few! 

I remember thinking this is it. I understand this. These women are so creative, fashionable, funny, and SO confident {not to mention ridiculously stunning}. I really wanted to give the whole blogging thing a shot......

Now rewind back four years...I remember sitting at a table with my girlfriends talking about our goals, what our passions were, and what drove us to want to achieve all of these things. Without hesitation I remember saying...."one day I want to have my own fashion blog. Not a place where I just talk about my purchases, certainly not to brag about what I own, or to encourage others to buy what I wear necessarily...but to truly create an outlet where I could talk about day to day life, my taste in clothes, honest to god struggles, small victories, and to connect with other great blogger babes." #sorryfortherunonsentences #buttruth

So why didn't I take my goal, my dream, my passion and make it into a blog that very next day? {2 years for that matter}. Four words... fear, intimidation, insecurities, and unenlightenment.  I was literally at a loss and couldn't even begin to imagine how others began such a confusing process. 

My advice? Blogging' ain't easy, but living out your passion is! Stay true to yourself and the other pieces will follow. Live a little more, connect with others, and if it doesn't bring fulfillment or joy in the least...get up, shrug it off, and move on! 

As always thanks for showing your love and support!

XOXO | Mandy Nicole

70's Vibes

Photos by: Tess Ware

Outfit details below

White Blouse: love this here | Flare denim: Old, similar here, here | Wool Hat: Maurices | Fringe Bag: Similar here and here {love} | Sunnies: Urban Outfitters | Cognac Wedges: JustFab | Earrings: BaubleBar  {on sale} Ring: Stella & Dot 

I love incorporating different eras into my wardrobe. My favorite? Defiantly the 70's with all its flare, denim EVERYTHING, bell sleeves, and fringe. You really can't go wrong style these fun pieces. Not to mention all in which are in style this season. 

The bonus to denim with a flare is it literally looks fantastic on any body shape. It's perfect for tall and lean, voluptuous and curvy, and or short and petite. 

Some styling advice when picking the perfect flare. For you gals who're long and lean stick with a longer inseam. This allows you to pair your denim with a cute wedge like these here and also gives you #legsfordays. 

For you voluptuous and curvy gals {flaunt it girl}! Stick to a shorter inseam to accentuate your curves and to draw attention to your best features. 

For you short and petite women or short and built {this is for my bestie who rocks it in the gym}! Stick to a shorter/regular inseam and a smaller flare. One that exposes your shoe of choice. This prevents a "frumpy" look and yet looks absolutely flattering! 

Happy Tuesday...forecast in Iowa is calling for more rain, send help!

XOXO | Mandy Nicole