Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale 2018 DETAILS


YESTERDAY, Lilly Pulitzer announced the dates for the After Party Sale (APS)! Seriously who doesn't get excited about this? Limited time to shop, virtual waiting rooms, TONS of DEEPLY discounted Lilly merchandise, & the cutest prints! It's like Black Friday shopping but you're allowed to drink mimosa's by the pool (if you're shopping online! *wink wink*)

Today I'm going to give all the information you'll need on the APS!




Tip One: Bookmark the Lilly Pulitzer website on your computer.
You can bookmark the page by clicking here.

Tip Two: Download the Lilly App, create an account, & update/add your card and shipping information.
This is sooooo important for many reasons.
Faster checkout = other Lilly Fans waiting in the 'virtual line' can shop and its just a simple 'approval click' and your order is in process! Also just cause items are in your Tote doesn't mean its yours. While you're typing in your card info someone else (who already set their card up in advance) bought that item that you had in the Tote!

Tip Three: Use both your phone and computer when shopping.
I swear it's not cheating! What I do is whichever gets into the site first I close out the other. This helps move along with the 'virtual line'.

Tip Four: Your Calendar? Oh its booked "Lilly Sale"
Set multiple alarms! Close out your entire morning if you want first dips on the Lilly merchandise! I noticed there's "peak times" (when the site first opens, lunch break time, Dinner time) the site is the MOST busiest. Also, the site adds more stuff! Last APS on the 2nd day there was different items!

Tip Five: Set a FIRM budget.
This is hard. But I have caved and whipped out the credit card but setting a budget does help. Write it on a sticky note and keep it on your computer. Keep your calculator handy to make sure you're not going over your budget.

This is one of my APS purchases from Last August. Used to bed $168 but I paid $69! I purchased this one in-store. 
This APS purchase was (from what I can remember) $59. This one was an online order.
Tip Six: What is your Lilly size?
Review the size chart online here. Or run by your local Lilly to try on a few pieces. All Sales Purchase are NON REFUNDABLE. If you're not sure you're a 2 or 4 just get the 4! You can always have it tailored to fit!

Tip Seven: Buy what you need not what you think is pretty.
Just like setting a budget you need to set a plan for what you want to buy. If you feel like you need a new white dress to wear to formals then go for it! But if you already have 3 beach totes you might not need to get another.

Tip Eight: It's just a sale.
I love the sale! It's fun and feels great to get something on a deep discount. But Lilly does this sale 2x a year. Also remember Lilly loves gifts! There's countless days where if you make a purchase you get presents. Those dates are fun too.

Tip Nine: Shipping.
Shipping is always free but it might take longer than 2 days for it to be delivered. Keep in mind it might take 1-2 weeks before your package arrives so don't shop for your Saturday night dinner date look.

Tip Ten: The sale is also in store!
If you're near a Lilly Pulitzer swing by there to shop! I honestly make the effort to drive 1.5 hours to my nearest Lilly Pulitzer store to shop in store but I do hit the online shop as soon as it opens.

Tip Eleven: If you have to contact the Lilly Store or Customer Service, be nice!
These ladies are WORKING HARD. The sale is literally Lilly's Black Friday and the pressure to give customers what they want and get high "Units Sold" is on. When I visit the store during the sale I always try to thank the associates and speak words of encouragement if I can tell the sales rep is stressed.



Other Questions that get asked often!
What is this markdown prices like?
Its normally around 30-75% off

Is children clothes included?
Yes! But these are normally set at 50% off.

What time does the Sale start?
8AM EST.

Is the stores cheaper than the site?
Some items are! It's always best to visit both if you're able to!

Is all the prints included?
Anything up to present season. So sometimes it'll be prints from a year ago and sometimes it'll be prints from last season. I have seen prints from the current season; I assumed it was a style that wasn't meeting it's sales goal. I highly recommend going into the sale with an open mind and not focus on just one print.

How does this virtual line work?
So when the site opens it can only hold so many customers (It's been known to crash in the past!). So the virtual line groups everyone else in a first come bases and as someone purchases or leaves the site, a new person is added.

My stuff didn't fit!
That's terrible :( Sadly Lilly Sale items are FINAL SALE NON REFUNDABLE. This is why I mention TIP SIX: What is your Lilly Size is so important. I always recommend trying stuff on in advance at your local Lilly Store or reviewing the size chart here. My other big tip is to just go up a size if you're not sure and have the item tailored.

The site keeps crashing and I'm so upset!
The site has a bad reputation for crashing. Last year it crashed and I was stuck waiting 3 hours. The "Virtual line" is where the online shop hopes prevent crashing. If the site crashes just wait a bit and retry.

What is some of the best deals for this sale?
Well the prices are unknown. But the deals (in my opinion) for the Summer APS is shorts and summer accessories. I tend to stock up for next summer during this APS and the Winter APS I stock up on my winter pieces which is cardigans and pants. For a clear picture; about 45% of my Lilly Collection IS APS items.


If you have other questions that I didn't touch base on just go to the FAQ page on Lilly's website! I'm linking the FAQ page here. You can drop a question below, message me on my Instagram or on the official Pomp and Palms Faceboook Page!

Have a Sunny Day ya'll!
- Pomp and Palms

Sio Beauty Review

I feel you're never too young to start taking care of your skin. Sitting and reflecting back to my teenage years (I never wore sunscreen), my early 20's was a platinum member at the Tanning Salon (and spent 3-4 nights out of the week at the bars/social hangouts), and in my late 20's became a mother + moved from the foothills of North Carolina to the coast of Florida. Lets be real, my skin has DONE A LOT.


So the important thing is finding a good skincare routine that will help reverse the damage that's been caused. And help my skin for future damage. The check list is of course: good skin cleanser, good moisturizing lotion, and good sleep. But that's where Sio Beauty comes in. Good sleep + Sio go hand in hand.


What is Sio Beauty?
SiO Beauty is a Doctors endorsed Silicone skin patch treatment that you can use at night time that helps reverse the signs of wrinkles and aging skin. Wrinkles from aging, sun damage, side sleeping, and gravity. The elements within SiO's skinpads is simple: Silicone + Oxygen. The pads helps with collagen production and gives your skin the opportunity to plump and rejuvenate itself. In clinical trials some saw results within the first use!

What Patches can you purchase?
SiO Beauty has many different options. Face, Neck and Décolleté. There's even a collection for Men! The face collection range from around the eyes, forehead, smile/lips. These patches are for 15 uses (but some beauty bloggers said they've used a patch for 2 months before). The best part is you can get these are a discounted price when signing up for their subscription option (you can cancel at any time!)


The plastic backer is to stick the Patches back on for safe storage! 
From Left to Right: Forehead Patch, 2 Eye/Lip Patches, and Neck Patch


My Results!
I decided to purchase the entire facelift kit. This kit came with the eye and lip patches, forehead, and neck patch. I ended up mailing my mom the neck patch because she has complained about her neck area BUT she's very skeptical (I thought I would give her the opportunity to try one for free and she can give me her honest review in return). I honestly was only concerned with my forehead area but thought for this review I should try the lip and eye area as well. I will mention I use my patches 2x a week.
When I first applied my forehead patch it of course felt silly having a silicone patch on my face BUT it was super soft. I was surprised at how well I slept with it too. I never woke up or felt discomfort. The next morning I was completely shocked at the fact some of my forehead wrinkles were COMPLETELY GONE! My skin was super soft in the area the patch was at too.

Pros: I did see results from using this product. It's not super costly, it can be used more than once, and the silicone is quite comfortable.
Cons: Not sold in stores, If you do get hair or dirt on the sticky side it's about impossible to remove it, I didn't feel super comfortable with the around the lip patches (I kept picking them at night).
Pomp and Palms Star Rating: I would give a 4.5 star rating. I really enjoy this product and will continue to use it (especially my forehead area). I do believe it's something you have to get used to wearing at night and you need to commit to using it if you want major results.


If you would like to try SiO Beauty please use this link that was provided for me to give you. When using this link you will get $10.00 off your purchase of any Skin Patch! (You can get a set of eye or lip patches for just $4.95 OR a forehead patch for $14.95!!!! Just sign up for a subscription for the additional 20% off and cancel at anytime after your order is placed.)
My $10.00 off SiO Beauty Link: https://www.talkable.com/x/HW71T3

Unique Wedding Gift Registries




Everyone has received wedding invitations with registry ID numbers to Bed Bath & Beyond or Target. But in today's day and age, most couples are already living together before marriage. And most likely already have all the home items they need.
So what do you ask for??? Today I rounded up other options for the Newlyweds that doesn't want a set of handtowels as a wedding gift.

1. Honeymoon Fund
Everyone is having to pay utilities, pay rent-car payments-medical-student loans- etc. Its hard to save up for other things. Like the Honeymoon.
Consider asking for "honey funds". There's many websites that you can set accounts with where your wedding guest can select what part of the honeymoon to pay for! Like a massage, a dolphin tour, a bottle of Champagne at dinner, or rental cars.
For Bryce and I we haven't set money aside for a Honeymoon and its the one thing we truly need help with. If you want to view our Honeymoon Fund you can by clicking here! Or if you were wanting to donate.

2. Charity
Many couples want to use their celebration as a moment to give back to others. Charity gifts is becoming a big trend. It can be giving to a foundation the couple supports, helping a go-green project within the community, or supplying a elementary classroom.

3. A New Home
Just like the honeymoon fund, there's couples who are hoping to ditch the apartment and find the forever home. There's many funding registries where guest can help pay closing cost, insurance, taxes, etc on the couples dream home.



4. Becoming More Well Rounded
Something seriously amazing is having a registry to help fund learning something new. Like a new Language. To truly grasp a language it's not just a full collection of Rosseta Stone. It's also traveling to that languages homeland and learning the tongues from the natives. Many are requesting this as a unique gift option.

5. Future children college funds
Some are requesting help in creating a savings account for future children to have funds for college. The account can be locked for X-amount of years and as you have children you can divide the money into smaller accounts. Then when each child graduates high school he/she will have collected some interest as well.

6. Help teach the Newlyweds how to cook
This is a super fun idea. Have your wedding guest help fund cooking lessons and/or with online sites like Blue Apron! Then the happy couple will learn how to create unique dishes for meals and become more well rounded in other cultures meals.

Butter London Glazen Face Glow Review

I really enjoy doing product reviews. As a girl who seeks reviews before purchasing (especially makeup & skincare), I enjoy the opportunity to be the tester! With my product reviews I’m going to try and step away from what ‘every other blogger’ reviews. I mean come on, everyone has reviewed Glam Glow Mask (sooo amazing), Dry Bar products, FabFitFun boxes, SK-II skincare, etc. My goal is to review something that isn’t over sold. I feel this gives the readers something fresh to read about (and possibly consider purchasing) and gets my creative juices flowing because I’m reviewing something that hasn't been over sold on the blog sites. 




Butter London Glazen Face Glow Review.
All week I've been testing out this new product I stumbled upon. I'm a BIG Butter London nail polish gal and when I noticed this face primer I thought I'd give it a whirl. I decided to replace my usual face primer with the Glazen Glow for a good week and continue my usual foundation, finishing powder, etc. 

Overview:
Butter London Glazen Face Glow is a part of the Glazen Collection. It's a super lightweight illuminator that preps, blurs, and brightens your skin. The official website states there is a multi-dimensional shimmer to give your skin a pearly glow. How to use is simple: apply alone for a no makeup shimmer glow or with your favorite foundation as a illuminating primer. The website also states to seal the cap tight to prevent the product from drying out. When searching Sephora, Nordstrom, and Ulta there was no reviews on this product. The official website doesn't have any reviews either.

My Review:
I'm not the biggest fan of shimmery makeup finishes. In fact I avoid purchasing anything (blush, bronzer, foundation, etc) that gives off a shimmer/dewy glow. But I really enjoyed this product. I was aware that I would have a shimmer finish and the shimmer with my foundation + my finishing powder resulted in a very subtle shimmer. When I applied the product alone the shimmer was much more noticeable but not in a negative way. Honestly, I really like the idea of using this product for photoshoots, with costumes, or special events. Bryce and I plan to travel to Japan next Spring and I feel this product will be lovely to wear when touring the Cherry Blossoms. The product is being marketed at $28.00 which isn't a bad deal, I'd say it's worth it.




Other Options:
If you want the Glazen Glow but you're struggling to find the product (or not sure about paying $28.00); check these good dupes! I felt the shimmer glow of NYX Born To Glow  is just like the Glazen Glow. Benefit Cosmetic's High Beam is a good product if you're not wanting the 'full face' shimmer glow but you want the shimmer glow as a highlight (temples and upper cheek bones).
You can find this product at Ulta, Target, Walmart, or online.
You can find this product at Sephora, JC Penneys, Ulta, and anywhere high end makeup is sold.

Random Thoughts From This Summer

For today I wanted to do something simple on the blog. Random thoughts. I noticed the lifestyle blogs I read do 'monthly thoughts' post. I really enjoy reading about others exciting life moments or random acts of kindness. I'm not sure I'll be able to do 'monthly thoughts' posts because a bulk of my time is spent with a 11 month old or traveling. But I hope to do 'Seasonal Thoughts' post.

1. I've noticed how much I enjoy doing outdoor activities. Last year, Florida was just as hot and stormy but this year I'm 100% okay with the sweat, heat, and rain. I like to believe Holly is the reason. I love spending time with her and watching her laugh at the water fountains or splash in the kiddie pools. It's one of the beautiful moments of being a parent, seeing someone so small and innocent realize when she hits the water with her toys; it splashes.

2. This summer I have happily been able to tan and not burn any! It's really hard for me to get a sunburn in the first place but with a baby who loves water I seem to forget to put sunscreen on myself. I always make Holly's skin #1. 

3. I'm in search of a good teeth whitening kit. Any thoughts? I purchased powder coal but it's REALLY messy and I dread using it. I hope to have some super white teeth for wedding photos!

4. Looking back at summer photos I noticed I wore a lot of white. White jeans, shorts, tops, etc. I think I found my signature look! (Being in Florida I think I can wear white all year *wink wink*).

5. Mid October will be 1 year since I've been out of the workforce. It's kind of scary to think about. I'm trying to do some homemaker projects (creating things and selling on Etsy?) and considered doing some sort of work from home career even though I read those can be very stressful or scams. I invest deeply into creating fun content for my blog and instagram page in the hopes that a side hustle like that will help in the bank account. I love that Bryce has an amazing job that can support me but there's days I want to purchase something that I worked for (makes sense? Probably not, hints the 'random thoughts' part of this post!)

6. Is it bad that I'm already planning out Christmas gifts? Not just for Bryce and Holly, but for myself.

7. Last year during the summer months I was pregnant. Literally the hardest thing was being pregnant in a tropical area. Everyone is out at beach bars having mixed drinks and I was stuck watching. This year I'm now able to drink but surprised at how little I do. My college days I had some party moments but I've learned I don't need a vodka-water or a bottle of wine for a good time. I think that's a important to keep in mind, the fun moments in life shouldn't require a hard drink... Fun moments happen when you let yourself be 'you'. 

8. I'm at the tail end of my wedding planning. I've spaced the wedding blog series out where I'm a step or two ahead from what I'm writing about. I like doing a series this way because I can look back on what I have done and spend more time editing. I'm so excited to show you guys my dress, how the ceremony goes, and start showing you guys how to execute the 'after wedding' life (creating thank you cards in a timely manner, planning honeymoon, getting all the new name changes complete, how marriage life is, etc).

9. Talking about wedding, we decided to not create any registries. We're waiting on a house but our number one priority is giving Holly the best we can give her. So instead of asking for dishes or a new bedding set we're asking for help paying for our dream honeymoon. We created a Go Fund Me to help pay for our dream honeymoon (click this link to view it)! It's the one gift Bryce and I was able to agree on if we were going to ask for anything. We honestly haven't had a vacation just the two of us and it'll be the first trip we're going without our little girl! 

10. Once Holly is old enough where family members feel comfortable watching her I think I'm going to take up kite surfing or paddle boarding. Living near the waterways and the ocean I see kite surfers and paddle boarders all the time and they look like they're loving life. I really hope to get fit enough for the sport. I'm going to start investing time towards getting physically fit for the new hobby!

Selling Fashion Items on Apps + Secondhand Stores


Now that we’re near the end of summer and ‘Back to School’ + Fall shopping is about to begin everyone is going through their closets to find what items they can part ways with. For me, I have quite a few long sleeve/cold weather gear from NC that I no longer need now that I’m living in FL. Most end up selling their items to Plato’s Closet and secondhand boutiques or apps like Thread up, Mercari, Poshmark, Instagram, etc. 
Today’s post is getting the nitty gritty on how to determine what’s best to sell to a secondhand store/app, the proper etiquette for app selling, and some pointer on how to make the buy feel appreciated! I’ll include the websites if you want to read additional information or leave a question in the comment box below!
What do I do? I start with selling on an app and after 2-3 weeks I take the items to a store, whatever is remaining gets donated! I only sell my goods on Poshmark. It’s an app I’m comfortable using and I like how they do discount shipping days or the option for the seller to pay shipping.

Selecting and prepping
Selecting items best to sell is very important. Secondhand stores only want gently used and name brand (Secondhand stores are SUPER picky!) They only sell what’s currently being sold in malls so something from 2015 isn’t going to make the cut. Selling on apps is more flexible for aged items. BUT You just HAVE to be honest. If it’s from a few years ago, very worn or a vintage piece, mention it. Honesty is important on selling apps. Also on selling apps you need to take good quality photos. If the dress is missing a button show the area the button is gone. If the top has a snag (please) show it.
What do I do???? For secondhand stores. I wash with gentle detergent and no perfumes (smells can be a turn down!). I use my college days retail folding skills and fold everything neatly, then place all the goods in a large tote bag. On selling apps I always hang my items on a brown wooden hanger and have a white backdrop. If it has to lie flat I use a neutral color background. I take pictures of the size tag and the care label. For lighting, I open my blinds and turn on my overhead light + lamp. I DO NOT use any filters for that can be misleading. In the description I give as many details as possible (size, mesaurements, fabric contents/care, how many times it was worn, etc).



It’s sold!
If you sell some goods congrats! In store make your choice on accepting or declining their offer. Always thank the associate! On selling apps you have to print and package the item then mail it out. Most selling apps give you 2 days to mail and then you’ll be notified via email that the person is waiting.
What do I do??? In store I almost always accept the offer. I have declined before. On selling apps I immediately print the label and prepare the package. I hand write thank you cards (I also enjoy adding an extra gift!), I fold the item, and wrap everything in my color scheme tissue paper and stick a cute sticker to keep it all in place. I have on my posh-page my selling info which is what the buyer to expect. I always mail same day until 3pm central time and if sold by 11am central time Saturday it’ll be mailed on Monday morning. I make a detailed ‘selling info’ so the buyer will know when the item is sent out and its my way of keeping my busy life in balance. 


Below is the 4 steps I use when mailing out an item I sold!


 Step 1: Collect the sold item, tissue wrappings, shipping label and everything else I need to package! Today I'm showing how I mail out a top. As you can see the top is folded nicely. 
Step 2: fill out the thank you card! I always write something sweet like "Thank you for your purchase. Enjoy ____". When I can, I include a present & my blog handle.
Step 3: Neatly fold and wrap the item. I use a sticker to hold the tissue wrapping in place. If the box is big I add some bubble wrap to keep the product from moving.
Step 4: When posting the shipping label I make sure the box I use has all barcodes removed or "X'ed" out to prevent shipping confusion. 

When do you see that money?
In store you get the money immediately. On selling apps the buyer has to accept the package and then the money will be placed into your app bank account. You can withdraw the money via direct deposit, in a check form, or use the money to buy off the site! Deposit and check times vary. 

My package is missing?
If you use a selling app and the buyer notifies you that the package isn’t on their doorstep and it’s tracking info says it’s arrived THEY must contact the selling app’s help desk. Once the item is scanned out the seller ISN’T responsible for it.
Has this happened to me? Yes, Sadly I have had a package go missing. What happens is Poshmark still gave me my earnings and refunded the buyer. It’s a longer process on collecting the earnings because Poshmark has to contact the post office and contact the buyer. 

What if I’m selling luxury goods?
If you’re selling luxury items to a secondhand store bring proof (receipt from the store, the dust bag, item serial number, etc). You have to sell to the consignment associate that the item is 100% authentic.
If you’re selling luxury items on a selling app take photographs of your receipt from the store, the accessories that came with the luxury good, item number, etc. Selling apps provide shipping insurance on luxury goods and they have the item shipped to the apps HQ to be viewed before giving the item to the buyer. It’s "a proof of authenticity" test. It's an extra step to make sure the buyer is getting what she/he is paying for. 


And there you have it! If you have any additional questions feel free to message me below,send me a private message on my instagram (you can click this link!), or use the links below to view the app websites help page!



For more information on selling to Platos Closet view their website here.
For more information on selling to Poshmark view their website here.
For more information on selling to Mercari view their website here.
Form more information on selling to Thread Up view their website here.

Longer Lasting Pedicures

Hello lovelies. While my mom visited Florida we went to my favorite nail salon in Pensacola, Herbal Nails. If you travel to Pensacola you must visit this salon! Complimentary wine (or other beverages), tons of treatment options, spotless clean environment, and the best staff ever. I always get The Deluxe Pedicure ($45; takes 1-1.5 hours) but let me tell you, its worth it. Fresh fruit bath soak & fresh fruit scrub, callus treatment, fruit foot masque, therapeutic hot towel wrap, and your choice of hot stone massage or hot paraffin wax treatment and more! 
A day or two after my spa visit I start the basic and easy tricks to double my pedicure lifespan.
Today I’m sharing my tips so you can have an extended life on your pedi-toes.




1. Shea infused socks.
Shea infused socks have a permeant spot in my sock drawer. I throw these babies on right when I hop out of the shower (so my skin can soak up the shea) and at night while I’m working on blog content.

2. Ditch the crappy sandals.
We all have sandals that look cute but do a number on your feet. Invest in some sandals that have some support and rock em.

3. Bath soak.
My favorite thing to use on keeping feet “pedicure soft”. I use a good 1-2 hand fulls of salts, soak feet for 10-15 minutes in hot water. I prefer the lavender salts because I soak my feet late and night and this helps me rest more soundly. I also put my shea socks on after a good salt soak.
These socks are similar to the ones I use which I purchased at Bath & Body Works

You can find this just about anywhere, Walmart, Ulta, even TJ Maxx! I like the lavender one to help me rest too. 
4. Foot cream.
Foot cream works amazing. Give yourself (or ask your significant other) a foot massage.

5. Don’t walk barefooted outside.
In the summer everyone wants to be barefooted but after a pedicure its very damaging. Avoid rocky gravel or concrete.

6. Chlorine pools = Avoid.
I’ve literally been in chlorine pools where my nail color faded. Stick with freshwater or salt water. Its better for your skin and it doesn’t eat away at your nail color.

7. Clear coat-top coat.
If you want your nail color to stay looking shiny purchase Sally Hansen clear top coat. After a week or 1.5 weeks I do one thin top coat to give a shine reboot.

8. Drink Water.
Keeping water in your body does wonders. Not only does it take bad toxins out but it also keeps moisture in your skin (including your feet!)

This is one of those items you could get anywhere. Ultra, CVS, Walmart, etc.
I love Fiji water but wish it would fit in my Jeeps cup holder! 

Fall Pieces You Already Own


With Autumn just around the corner a lot of us ladies are preparing for a Autumn wardrobe. We’re scrolling on Pinterest for outfit ideas, constantly checking our favorite store websites to get the newest looks to showcase on our blogs, and creating new trendy posts with catchy quotes to draw attention. But I’m a blogger on a budget. Dumping my entire wardrobe for a new one isn’t going to happen. And my financial state isn’t built for new wardrobe shopping sprees. Luckily, there’s many items from previous years that always makes a reappearance. Today’s post is giving the run down on wardrobe pieces that never go out of style for Autumn that you can wear year after year and still be “on trend”.

- Plaids. Plaids will forever be a ‘it piece’. This very versatile garment can be worn countless ways and the colors of plaids always seem to return year after year with little amount of changes.

- Dark Denim. Dark denim is a staple for the cooler months. Any shades ranging from dark blue, dark grey, or black. You will always see this trend. 

- Trench Coats. This look is a classic. Audrey Hepburn yelling “cat” in an alley or Serena Van Der Woodsen rocking her Burberry on the way to school. Colors like tan, cream, dark green, navy or black. Each year this coat is in trend and the perfect way to shake things up is with new accessories.


Simple plaid. You can wear this look so many ways and the colors are always a classic staple. 
Trench coats are literally the best. They are timeless, easy to wear, and can be dressed up or dressed down.
- Boots. Boots are that one shoe that if treated kindly, can last a long time. And boot trends don’t change often either. You’ll always have the ankle boot, mid-boot, knee high’s, and equestrian style. And the colors always stay in the lines of cognac, chocolate brown, black. I have a pair of Ralph Lauren equestrian boots from 5 years ago and I still get compliments on them. 

- Simple cozy sweaters. You know what I’m talking about. That sweater in creamy winter white, blush, hunter green, or soft grey. And that sweater feels like a blanket. These beauties are so perfect when it’s cool out and you’re drinking Starbucks but also a trend that keeps coming back. 

- Knee high socks. I felt this is one of the best accessory pieces to mention. Each year I always see the same exact style of knee-high wool socks. These socks go so well with cozy sweaters and boots. This accessory trend will not fall out of style anytime soon. 
the perfect cozy sweater. In the early fall you can wear with shorts and in the winter leggings and boots!
Boots + Boot Socks combo!

Wedding Invitations: Save the Date, RSVP's, and When to Mail


One question I’ve been asked by many is the details on invitations.  
- When to mail “Save the Date”?
- When to mail the actual invitation?
- Is the RSVP important?
- On website it states “as low as $___” so is how much will I actually pay, etc?

Today I will answer all the questions I’ve been asked, details on selecting the best way to purchase invites, and be very open about my invites too (Yes, I will tell you where I purchased mine and how much I spent!).



“Save the Date” vs The Invitation + When to mail out.
I like to think “Save the Date” as a 'look who's getting married!!!' flyer. The “Save the Date” isn’t the invitation and doesn’t guarantee an invite either. Many couples send out these cards to literally EVERYONE (family, friends, coworkers, people you attended school with, etc) but only send a fraction of Invitations. “Save the Date” can also preview the theme your wedding too.
- Are they necessary?
No.
- Are they costly?
Possibly. It depends on how detailed the card is and how many you have to order (don’t forget postage cost!).
-
When to send?
Send your “Save the Date” minimum 6 months before your wedding.

The Invitation is the official invite. This tells your guest the date your wedding is, the location, and any other important details. This is where you showcase the theme as well.  I’m big on having beautiful invitations. I think it’s important to set aside a budget on the invitations because the is where you (the bride and groom) are requesting your guest to set aside a day to celebrate with you!
- What can you include in the invitation?
Anything. RSVP response cards, directions, food allergy requests, wedding gift info, formal or casual attire, etc.
- Are they costly?
Depends. If you add additional cards like food allergy requests, directions, etc it can add up.
- When to send?
Send your Invitations 6-8 weeks before your wedding.


What did I do? Continue reading to find out!


RSVP Information
- IS
 RSVP’s important?
Yes and No. Sadly, about 75% of guest don’t reply to RSVP’s (even when you include the response envelope with address already printed). The RSVP to me is very important especially if the wedding is a destination or on a major holiday. RSVP's also help with final chair rental cost, food catering costs, and venue size.
If you do RSVP, I recommend including an area on the card where guest can write number of attendants too. Tip to get people to reply to RSVP's: Post a reminder on Facebook for family and friends to reply to the RSVP or send a massive group text. 

The “as low as ” trick when ordering your invitations.
When it comes to ordering invitations online you will see “as low as ___”. What does this mean? This is the lowest possible cost per card. Sounds great but the only way to get the card at such a low price requires you to order a bulk amount (sadly if you only order 50-300 invitations you won’t be getting that low amount). To be frank
, the only way to get that low price is to order a massive amount of invitations (some websites the ‘low’ price requires you to order 1,000+ invitations!). 
When I shopped for invitations I ignored that “as low as” badge. I shopped for what style I liked and when it came to customizing I kept the budget low by only ordering white envelopes and keeping the colors simple (so no glittery stones or special custom ribbons that I can add on myself). 

Where to get Invitations
Just like wedding dresses, invitations can be purchased many different ways. Chain stores, specialty stores, or online.
- Chain stores range from Hobby Lobby, Target, Walmart, etc. I've even seen invitations at Homegoods and TJ Maxx! These cards are basic but in current trends. The cost is SUPER affordable and great if you need to mail out extras. This option is great for brides who don’t want to invest a lot in invitation. 
- Specialty stores have A LOT of varieties and can do customization. The cost is pricy but results are amazing. Some require appointments and you will need to invest time to give the designer details on what you envision. Some specialty stores can be mom + pop boutiques, Paper Source, and Swoozies.
- Online is a combination of chain and specialty. You can get the budget price + the customization. Online you must shop around for the best price, look for promotional codes, and invest your time in customizing (you're in charge of the customization).  When ordering you HAVE to proof read and accept your order has been finalized. If you accidentally approve the wrong date its not the websites fault (so no refunds).  Online shops are Shutterfly, BasicInvite, VistaPrint, and Minted.

What did I do? I ordered my invitations online from basicinvites.com. For about 3 weeks off/on I customized my cards. I wanted to add special touches. I ordered invitation, rsvp cards, and gift info cards. I kept the budget low by using stock envelopes and opted to hand write the addresses, ordered the amount I truly needed + used stock paper to create my own direction inserts. My invites was exactly $200.00. I ordered a total of 25 cards, 20 rsvps, and 20 gift info cards. *remember my wedding is very exclusive*



If you have any questions about ordering invitations, what websites I created sample cards on, or need a opinion just drop a question below, email me, or DM me on my instagram!


These Shells seen in the photos will be used as center pieces at my wedding reception tables! 

have a Sunny Day
- Pomp and Palms


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