Hey, y’all, coming to you from the start of a long weekend and I couldn’t be more excited to spend time with family and be in the sun for a couple of days off from work. I got an email last night from RewardStyle with a comprehensive list of Fourth of July sales and I had to share!

Whether you’re looking for some chic dresses, beauty, jewelry, or furniture there is a sale for you! Linking everything up below for easy access. I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe, and fun weekend! xx

Ann Taylor: get up to 80% off sale prices and plus 40% off full price styles

ASOS: up to 50% going out outfits and dresses and an extra 25% off dresses and jumpsuits

Baublebar: summer sale with pieces starting at $10 + 15% off Pisa stacks with code PISA15

Elemis: Enjoy 20% off full size favorites and a free summer skin gift with code JULY4

Express: up to 50% off all NON-clearance and up to 60% off all clearance

Finish Line: Get $15 off $150 with code 15SUMMER

Forever21: summer sale styles starting at less than $15

Madewell: Enjoy an extra 30% off sale styles

M. Gemi: up to $200 off men’s and women’s styles

Nastygal: 55% off everything

Old Navy: 75% off all clearance + up to 60% off sitewide

Shopbop: up to 70% off + an extra 25% off select styles

Spanx: 50% off select styles including faux leather leggings and bike shorts, shapewear, denim and bras

SSENSE: up to 70% off

SHEIN: up to 70% off and an ADDITIONAL 15% off with my code 4TCBB

Tory Burch: extra 30% off sale styles for up to 70% off with code EXTRA30

T3: 20% off sitewide

Walmart: the big save sale - rollbacks and clearance across all categories

Wayfair: up to 70% off

I used to always think that overalls weren’t for me. They either looked too farmer lady or were the skin tight type some girls would wear on Halloween and found in the “sexy” section of costumes if you catch my drift.

But, to give overalls the benefit of the doubt, I hadn’t really given them a chance. They’ve come back in style in the last couple years and I thought why not give it a go! I ordered a pair from SHEIN (use code 4tcbb for 15% off your SHEIN orders!) that were affordable to make sure I liked the trend and I wasn’t disappointed! I liked the oversized fit and casual, yet edgy vibe.

Once I had them on I had a fun time styling them and realized they can be work a lot of different ways, just like any other denim piece!

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The above is how I chose to style the SHEIN pair and was inspired by a more fashion based look of puff sleeves to contrast the casual denim. I added my new favorite bag for a feminine touch and gold jewelry for more glam. I loved the way it came together and mixed many sides of fashion for a girly, yet casual outfit.

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This next look is one I would put together for date night! I love the tan color palette and sexy strappy sandals since the jumpsuit is more modest. Add a statement earring and your favorite neutral bag

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Thank you to SHEIN for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

Summer is finally here and whether you’re sticking to your backyard this summer or taking a trip to the beach, I’ve rounded up the cutest bathing suits of the season! From basics, one pieces and fun patterns, I’ve got you covered! Everything below is under $50 and some are on sale.

COLOR & PATTERN

I’m usually a neutral and basics type of girl when it comes to bathing suits, but something about traveling always puts me in the mood for color and patterns during summer. Our trip to Italy showed me the most amazing patterns in the architecture, clothing and overall aesthetic of the country that I want to incorporate into the wardrobe back in the states. Summer is always a great time to try out a new color for the season and a bathing suit is a great way to do it. It’s an inexpensive way to try a new trend or color palette and if you love it you can incorporate it into your closet in other ways!

LEOPARD

I’ve always been a fan of leopard, but the last two years has really exploded the pattern everywhere. You can find it in shoes, bags, clothes, accessories and pretty much any fashion or home department these days. I somewhat consider it a neutral and believe it can be done in a really classic and chic way.

MORE COVERAGE

If you’re looking for some more coverage in a bathing suit and aren’t into the cheekiness that is popular right now, like I am, then these suits will be great for you! If you’re bustier or overall want to cover up a bit more, these styles lean that way!

ONE-PIECES

As a teenager I probably wouldn’t have been caught dead in a one piece unless it was for my swim team meet. But, the more I’ve grown up the more they have come back in style and I think they are so chic! I love ones with a belt detail or unique chain or cut out. It’s all in the details right?

WHITE BATHING SUITS

In the peak of summer you can’t go wrong with a white bathing suit. Whether you’re a bride-to-be or looking to appear a bit more tan than you are, white bathing suits are always in style. I stocked up for my bachelorette party and loved the look even after we got married when I took them on our honeymoon. A crisp and classic white are always a stylish option.

Hey y’all! I hope you’re having a great week! Steve Madden is having an amazing sale with up to 60% off their most popular sizes. From sandals that are perfect for summer to stocking up on booties for Fall at a discount. I’ve linked my favorites below, but use the following codes to get some major discounts on these styles!

SPRING40 will get you 40% off select styles, SPRING50 will get you 50% off select styles and SPRING60 will get you 60% off select styles - once on the product page it’ll tell you which code the product is valid with. Happy shopping!

it’s currently 3AM and I’m awake unable to sleep from feeling sick over what is happening in our country. The more I’m seeing the more angry and sad I become, but it has also made me aware of how unaware I allowed myself to become to the injustices in the world around me. I’m a soon to be 27 year old white woman who has lived a very privileged life and when I look back I realize I have not been a good ally to the black community.

I have ways believed in #BlackLivesMatter but what have I done to support it? I’m embarrassed to admit that I’m not as informed as I should be and that I didn’t feel I have the adequate words to speak out, but that’s an excuse. It’s my fault and it’s not enough to only be “not racist” - we need to be taking anti-racist actions.

I didn’t talk about political or social issues in public forums like social media or my blog because it “wasn’t on brand” or “my audience doesn’t want that, I talk about clothes and shoes.” These are also excuses.

Well y’all, some real change needs to happen and I’m done with excuses. So, welcome to The Creative Brief, where we talk about the issues now. If you’re just here for fashion and shopping, I hope you stay because the clothes will always be here, but I pray that you take some of this with you. 

Am I an expert? Absolutely not. Will I say some wrong things? Probably so. But will I continue to be a part of the problem by not giving my voice to this injustice? Not anymore.

2020 has been a breaking point for me in understanding more about the world around me, the astounding privilege I have and how to use it. Recently, I have the overwhelming notion that I’m able to influence without having to be what I believe to be an “influencer” and so do you. Maybe you don’t have Instagram or Facebook and you don’t talk about social issues often, but you have people around you who look up to you, read your comments, share meals with you and listen to what you have to say. 

So say something. Be a voice. Educate yourself and your friends on how we can all help irradiate racism. Don’t be afraid to have tough conversations, to be uncomfortable with the dialogue and admit that you could be part of the problem. Because saying nothing and doing nothing completely validates that you are part of the problem. 

The events over the last few weeks and those that have happened even within 2020 alone are horrific. Regardless of your political affiliation, your race or age or upbringing, you can agree that the loss of human life in the black community is not only unnecessary, but a fundamental and systematic issue in our country. 

It took me some time to decide how I wanted to react to this and speak on this issue because I was afraid of doing it wrong. Firstly, to my Black friends, sorority sisters, classmates, coworkers, readers and followers, I’m sorry I didn’t act sooner and I know this message is not enough.

Secondly, I’m with you. I see you, I hear you, I learning to understand and educate myself and I’m here to support you. Your life matters to me and I’m going to do what I can to help others act as well.

From now on I’m going to make sure to use my platforms as a voice of change and bring awareness to those who don’t have the privilege to share their voice. I hope you do the same with your voice because #BlackLivesMatter.

Memorial Day Weekend is a weekend to celebrate, but also to shop! One of the most sale-heavy weekends of the year, you can stock up on items for Spring and Summer at a great discount. I’m linking a full list of stores that are having sales with all the details you need below! Happy Shopping and Happy MDW 'y’all!

Fashion

Abercrombie: 40-60% off the entire store and select items are additional 15% off

Adidas: Select shoes, apparel and accessories are up to 50% off, no promo code required, through May 26.

Aerie: Bikini tops and bottoms are buy one, get one free through May 27, plus shorts and dresses are 50%.

Alo Yoga: Take up to 50% off activewear at the OMG Sale.

American Eagle: Everything on site is 20 to 60% off. - All shorts 50% off

Ann Taylor: Take 60% off your purchase with code SUMMER.

Anthropologie: 25% off all clothing, shoes and accessories

ASOS: Extra 20% off sale with code ASOSSALEWIN

Athleta: Summer essentials are starting at just $14.99.

Banana Republic: Everything is up to 75% off, including new arrivals.

Bandier: On-sale activewear is an extra 30% off.

Bloomingdales: Through May 25, save 30 to 50% on a selection of items, plus take an extra 50% off clearance items as marked.

Boohoo: 60% off everything

Draper James: Select sale styles are 40% off through May 25.

Express: Take 40 to 50% off everything on site.

Frame: Take an extra 30% off markdowns, including ultra cool denim.

Forever 21: Take 20% off orders $75, 30% off orders $85+, and 40% off orders $150+.

Gap: Everything is 50% off with code WARM.

H&M: Up to 50% off

Loft: Reward members get 60% off everything, while non-members get 50% off with promo code FRIEND.

Madewell: Dresses and sandals are 30% off with code HAPPYTOGETHER.

Michael Kors: Score new styles for up to 50% off.

Nike: all sale items up to 40% off

Old Navy: Through May 29, score 50% off all shorts, 50% off all tees and tanks, 50% off all swimwear and beach fleeces and sweatshirts starting at $30.

Pink Lily Boutique: 40% off sale tab with code SUMMERTIME

Tory Burch: 25% off select styles with code TOGETHER

Sam Edelman: 30% off site wide with code MEMORIAL30

Sephora: Take up to 50% off a selection of more than 500 beauty products.

SHEIN: 30-60% off Summer Sale with code DAZED & use code SUM247 for an additional 15% off sitewide (can be used together)

Spanx: All denim is 30% off, with pairs starting at just $89.

Steve Madden: 40% off site wide with code SPRING40 - 50% select styles using code SPRING50

Stuart Weitzman: Take 40% off warm-weather styles at the Spring Into Summer Sale through May 25 with code NEWWEDGES.

White House Black Market: Take 40% off your entire purchase with code 33897.

Major Retailers

Bed Bath & Beyond: Save on outdoor items, home decor, tech, vacuums, bedding and much more with up to 40% off across categories.

Best Buy: If you're in the market for a new home appliance, Best Buy has you covered with 24-month financing and free delivery options for a limited time, in addition to stellar pricing.

eBay: Save on products from top brands including KitchenAid, Bose, Sonos, Dyson and more. eBay is also offering an extra 20% off with code PICK2SAVE on select home, fashion and tech items.

Kohls: In addition to deals on tons of apparel and home items, take $10 off purchases of $25 with code SERVICE10.

Macy's: Save 25% to 60% across departments, including apparel, beauty, handbags, home and more. Plus, get an extra 20% off with code MEMDAY.

Overstock: Thousands of items for your home are up to 70% off, so you can revamp your space this summer without breaking the bank.

Target: Save big on swimsuits, furniture, bedding, towels, appliances, electronics, patio items — essentially everything you'll need this summer.

Wayfair: The mega home retailer is marking down patio and outdoor furniture and decor, appliances, grills, home accents, bedding, rugs and so much more for the long weekend.

Home & Travel

Brooklinen: Take 15% off fan-favorite bedding, bath linens and more with code WKND15.

Dyson: Save up to $200 on select vacuums and air purifiers.

Joss & Main: Take up to 65% off tons of home goods at this Memorial Day clearance sale, plus snag an extra 15% off with code SUMMER.

Parachute: Everything, including bedding, bath, decor and more, is 20% off while supplies last through May 25.

Paravel: You may not be traveling during the holiday weekend, but select luggage styles are still 20% off from this cult-favorite brand.

Rugs.com: Take up to 80% off through May 27.

Serena & Lily: Take 20% off home decor with code LIVEWELL.

The Container Store: Save up to 30% on closet essentials through June 28.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through the links. All opinions are my own.

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Happy weekend y’all! I hope you had a productive week and can reward yourself this weekend with a fun cocktail! Kollin and I have been having fun making cocktail recipes we don’t normally drink and one of the first classic drinks we wanted to try was the martini. It quickly became a His and Hers edition as Kollin likes a Dirty Martini and that’s a hard pass for me.

So, I thought it would be fun to share three martini recipes so there is something for everyone! We’ll start with the classic martini and then add on a few fun flavors. Hope you enjoy! xx

Non-NEGOTIABLEs for a martini:

• Chilled martini glass

• Garnish

• A higher-end, quality vodka

Because martinis are a cocktail where the main alcohol is the star of the show, you want to use a brand that is higher quality. Paying a bit more will not only make the martini smoother, but the overall taste and enjoyment of the drink will pay off. I recommend Ketel One for vodka, but anything in the $25-$35 price range works great! Let’s get into the details.

The Classic Martini

The martini is highly debated drink when it comes to how they are made. Gin or vodka? Shaken or stirred? Lemon or olive? No matter your preference, it’s a pretty simple recipe that can be made for any type of person. Personally, we are vodka people, but a true classic martini is made with gin and dry vermouth. Those are both completely gross to me (lol) so we stick to vodka and then add in the flavor we are looking for. Here’s what you’ll need for how Kollin takes his Dirty Martini:

Prep

• Place your martini glasses in the freezer - you’ll want them very cold.

• Gather supplies - you’ll need the following

  • Mixing glass or cocktail shaker

    • This is preference on how you like your martini. Like the classic line, shaken or stirred? If you are working with only alcohol the rule of thumb is stir. If you’re adding a mixer or other ingredients, shaken is the way to go. I personally love an arctic cold martini so in our house we shake.

  • Ice

  • Strainer

  • Shot glass for measurements

  • Garnishes (I recommend olives or lemon slice depending on how dirty you like your martini)

How to make a classic or dirty martini

• Add ice into mixer glass or shaker

• Add 1.5-2 shots of vodka

• If you like vermouth add 1/2 ounce (half a shot)

• Add 1/2 - 1.5 ounces of olive juice depending on how dirty you like your martini (skip this step if you’d like it straight up)

• Stir together or if in a shaker shake for 30 seconds until the shaker is frosty on the outside

• Place strainer over the mouth of the container and pour into chilled martini glass

• Add garnish

  • place two olives on toothpick and add in

  • OR take a vegetable peeler and peel a lemon zest slice. Pinch the lemon peel over the top of the martini for a splash of lemon juice and then rub lemon zest around the edge of the glass and then place in the martini.

• Enjoy!

pineapple martini

Prep

• Place your martini glasses in the freezer

• Gather supplies - you’ll need the following

  • You’ll need everything from the above drink!

How to make a PINEAPPLE MARTINI

• Add the following into a shaker:

  • Fill shaker with ice

  • 1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice

  • 1-ounce vodka

  • 1-ounce orange liqueur, recommended: Cointreau or Triple Sec

  • 1/2-ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

• Shake for 30 seconds or until outside is frosted

• Place strainer over the edge of the shaker and pour into chilled glass

• Rub pineapple or line wedge (whichever is preferred) around rim of glass and place in drink for garnish

• Enjoy!

Chili mango martini

Prep

• Place your martini glasses in the freezer

• Gather supplies - you’ll need the following

  • You’ll need everything from the above drinks!

How to make a Chili mango MARTINI

• Add the following into a shaker:

  • Fill shaker with ice

  • 4 ounces mango juice

  • 1.5 - 2 ounces vodka

  • Juice of 1/2 a lime

  • A few slices of jalapeno or chili slices (add more for more spice)

• Shake for 30 seconds or until outside is frosted

• Rub line wedgw around rim of glass

• Combine sugar, chipotle seasoning or (cayenne if you’re brave) and a bit of salt to cover rim

• Place strainer over the edge of the shaker and pour into chilled glass

• Enjoy!

This year’s Mother’s Day will probably look very different from years past for the most of us, but if there are a group of people that deserve a celebration no matter what its' our moms! I’m excited this year to add groups of friends to the mom list that we can celebrate as they are welcoming little buddles of joy into the world later this year! Whether you’re looking for something affordable as times are hard this year or looking to splurge on something extra special, the gifts below cover a lot of those boxes!

Most of these are able to ship with plenty of time to arrive by Mother’s Day and have gift wrapping options! If you don’t see that option be sure to send an email to the customer service of the brand and ask for a gift message to be added. While their site may not list this, many will do it for that extra touch of personalization!

From a candle to brighten her living room while we’re all staying home to a pair of cozy slippers, pampering her is always a good choice! We gifted my mom a Barefoot Dreams blanket for her birthday this year and now we both can’t get enough of that brand. So soft and perfect for the current times of Netflix binges (it’s also on sale for $50 currently!). Another option is to give her a piece of jewelry that will remind her of her kiddos each time she looks at it. I fell in love with Katie Dean Jewelry this past Christmas when Kollin gifted me an initial ring. Dainty and elegant, it can be stacked with multiple rings or multiple initials for more than one child!

If she loves to cook, there are some great options to keep her busy in the kitchen and fun pieces to use when we’re all able to entertain again! We just got these acrylic wine glasses and I LOVE them! They are pretty much unbreakable but look like a gorgeous glass!

I hope everyone can find some ways to show their mom how special they are! Have a great weekend y’all!