Bri's Bees

I am so dang excited that Jenny brought back her Sunday Style link-up! It was one of the only link-ups I actually consistently participated in, shame on me right? {#bloggerprobs haha} I'm debuting this outfit that I wore to church yesterday. It's funny that I hardly can ever wear just black, when I do end up wearing black I have to balance with a bunch of bright color so I can still feel like myself!

This necklace is another Jane.com favorite! I loved that the jewels kind of look like bumblebees {because bee jewelry is my absolute favorite}, and that it was only $8 with free shipping. Say wha?! Plus this dress is an Anthropologie dress sale rack find from last year, a whopping $40. Ladies, I don't mess around when it comes to an awesome bargain buy.

I'm excited for the day off, but now I know school is just going to be that much more intense this week to make up for it. Lame! Hope you all have had a fun weekend! :)

Cat Coat

I picked up this amazing coat from @shopvictoriafarnsworth on Instagram because I knew I just couldn't live without it. It's Banana Republic, with fur, camel coloring, and a price that was absolutely incredible....um, YES. It was my first ever Instagram purchase and I was a little hesitant with how it would all work out. What if it doesn't fit? What if it gets lost in the mail? What if someone else has already claimed it, but I jumped the gun and sent the payment?? {All things that someone who is a littttle bit Type A would worry about...unnecessarily I might add.} 

I come home from school to see a big box waiting by the front door for me...I can honestly say that very little tops snail mail and packages waiting for me at home. I rip open the package, throw on the coat and just start petting it like a complete weirdo. I'm in love {again...if you want to be all technical about it, I'll claim Ryan as my first love ;)} 

I walk out to show it off to Ryan and friends and what does our friend Cody call it? A cat coat. 'SCUUUSE ME?! {Said it sassy "oh no you didn't" voice with accompanying finger waving.}

Good thing I have insanely HIGH self-esteem because I trotted out on our double date in this beauty and didn't think twice. I'm totes gonna rock my cat coat! MUHAHAHAHA! I showed you! {Not really, cause after the initial mocking, no one cared anymore haha.} Moral of the story is don't listen to your husband or his friends about fashion. The end.

Midway Ice Castles

Back in December I snagged a Groupon for the Midway Ice Castles knowing that it would be a perfect budget friendly date! Especially since it's hard to get myself to go out on dates during the wintertime...cause all I want to do is cozy up in blankets, eat pizza, and watch Netflix. We finally went this last Friday and it was absolutely breathtaking.

Even driving up to Midway was beautiful, I snapped this picture and just enjoyed looking at all the snow capped trees. Sometimes I forget how pretty Utah really is, so it's nice to have these reminders every once in a while!

Ryan was being a rebel and punching some of the icicles...that dork. It was cool to see these manmade ice castles and walk through all the different mazes and crevices they had to offer. At nighttime they have LED lights inside the castles light up to make it even more magical, how cool is that??

We even saw Queen Elsa and Princess Anna from Frozen come to take some pictures, and it just made me wish I was a Disney princess! Although, I do think that I have the whole Sleeping Beauty thing down ;) This is something that I would definitely want to do next winter, it's a good excuse to get out of the house and make the best of the freezing temps here :)

Grease Lightening

Why are Mondays always so difficult?! It's probably because I party hard during the weekend and have to face the harsh reality of college life. Early classes, assignments, and tests means that I end up looking practically homeless. Beanies & no make-up here I come! Booooooo. 

This is the look I wore to visit the Midway Ice Castles {which were gorgeous by the way}, and I wore these {what I've now dubbed} grease lightening waxed denim along with my new favorite Shoedazzle knee-high boots. Look at me being all edgy!! I've been wanting to try leather leggings for a long time now, but could not find a pair that were sturdy enough...cause I don't need my goods flying out everywhere! 

{Remixed: Boots // Sweater}

I found these waxed jeans at American Eagle, and even got them on sale. Score! I like how they give the look of leather pants, but has the comfort of a normal pair of jeans. Would definitely recommend these! Plus it doesn't hurt that I now have half of my Sandy costume for this year's Halloween ;)

Discount Diva

This is what I wore yesterday for church, and it is practically BEGGING spring to show up. I did some color blocking with the orange sweater against the hot pink top of the dress. Pretty snazzy, huh? So, the other day I had my blogger friend Bree text me asking about a particular pair of black boots I had worn in a post. She asked why my links at the bottom don't lead to the product...but instead to other posts where I've worn it? Let me explain my frens'.

I'm a huge bargain fashionista. Meaning that I will wait patiently until a good quality product goes on mega sale before purchasing. Either that, or I don't mind getting the knock off version as long as it's still good quality. This cupcake necklace was $15 off of Jane.com, and it's a total J.Crew knock-off. These heels? $25 on Just Fab...a knock-off of the popular Steve Madden bow pumps. Who the heck would have known though? Or cared that much to point it out?!

{Remixed: Necklace // Shoes // Dress}

I never pick up anything Steve Madden unless it's on sale...and this purse was $30 at Ross. This is why I don't post links to the products, it's because by the time I post the outfit in where I sport my new discounted piece, the product is already gone! Although, I'll work on warning you all via Instagram and Twitter when there are fabulous deals to be had, deal? Deal :)

I Left My Heart at Jane.com

You know that lyric "I left my heart in San Francisco?" Well, I left mine at Jane.com. About a year ago I found this company that offers amazing deals on trendy boutique goods for an absolute steal. A site after my own heart!

This past summer my mom & I would stay up until 11pm California time {midnight UT time}, waiting for the new deals to reveal themselves. We decided on which ones to hurry up and snag before the inevitable "sold out" sign would appear, and which ones to pass until next time {cause they always bring back some of the best deals.} What's nice is that Jane gives you a sneak peek of what they'll be posting the next day on their Facebook account, so you can be prepared! I still get raving compliments on this necklace I bought on Jane for 14 bucks. {It's ok, you're allowed to gasp.}

{Top c/o Jane}

Head on over to my sidebar and Jane is the first button there {kinda like the first friend on those MySpace Top 8 lists from eons ago...}, and go check them out. I promise you that you won't leave Jane without at least one thing in your basket ;)

Chunky Sweater Heaven

Is it just me, or has January just flown by? Not that I'm complaining in the least, the closer we can get to summertime & graduation the happier I'll be! Although, one of my favorite parts of winter is being able to wear oversized sweaters with skinny jeans. I found this super cozy sweater for half off clearance at American Eagle and these olive snakeskin print khakis from Gap for 12 bucks. I'm seriously on a roll with these amazing finds!

While the weather is still dreary outside, I've been trying to hit the gym more than 3 times a week as well as clocking in on My Fitness Pal {username: brianna_rios}. Which not to toot my horn {seeing as how I've been frequenting Sodalicious too much haha}, I've clocked in for a little over two weeks and have only missed a few days of the gym. I'm already feeling stronger and better overall, even though I'm not seeing a huge difference on the scale. The goal is to feel strong & fabulous in my swimsuit at Seven Peaks this summer!

Well my friends, I've successfully put off my American Heritage reading {gag} for another half hour. Now it's time to bite the bullet with Great Gatsby playing in the background {such a good movie}, and finish off this ridiculous amount of reading! Only three more months...sigh.

Nordstrom Employee

This past weekend I hit up Nordstrom in the Fashion Place Mall to meet Steve Madden, and it was a complete blast! Although, with all this black on I had random people asking me questions like I worked at Nordstrom. Which is funny because I hardly ever wear black. Soooo, maybe that's a sign that I should apply? 

Rachel from Rachel Sayumi was kind enough to offer to take photos of me, and I'll always jump at the chance for outfit pics! ;) And just so you know, I got this necklace for 40% off of $9.98...um CRAZINESS. Francesca's Collections was doing a major blow-out sale on their accessories, so I got 5 pairs of earrings, 3 necklaces, and a scarf all for 30 bucks. Aka, run to your closest Francesca's and stock up on some jewelry! 

{Remixed: Jacket // Boots}

Above is my blessed Steve Madden purse...signed by the man himself. Can't wait to share more about the Steve Madden experience on the blog with you! Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Comms: Where Hipsters Unite

This is pretty typical for what I wear on any given school day. Something comfy for all the hours I sit in class, and for all the walking I do up to campus. Although, I don't like looking like a slob...so flat boots, comfy skinnies, and cozy sweaters are what I'm all about! 

Since all my classes are in the Communications building this semester {Advertising, PR, and Comms Studies majors}, I feel like my ensembles just fit in. Big glasses? Studded booties? Funky pants & sweaters? They totally fly in the Comms building! Everyone tends to wear massive glasses {most of the time they are fake...read my rant about it here}, combat boots, and slouchy beanies. I should start a tally on how many people I see in a day wearing any number of these things, just so I can prove my theory {ohhh research methods class, you are finally good for something.} 

{Remixed: Booties}

Now my bright & colorful outfits don't make me stick out like they did in the Family Studies building {where everyone was extremely conservative...think mom jeans and 80's shirts}, or in the Music building {musical geniuses & actors galore...too busy writing symphonies to care about what they're wearing.} Although, I don't know whether or not I should be touting that I fit in with the hipsters of our campus...haha! Is it a good thing to be considered a "hipster"?!

The Rules of Winter

I'm so picky when it comes to winter clothing & accessories. Before moving here almost 5 years ago {it's been that long?!} I had never owned: A. a pair of boots or B. a real coat. I remember looking online with my mom for boots before my freshmen year, and was SO SCARED that boots would make me look like a pirate. I guess that's what happens when you live in sandals year round, other shoe options become extremely terrifying & haunt your dreams.

After a few winters under my belt, I've determined the following...

Boots should have traction, be weather proof, and should decide between being a flat or heel. None of this weirdo sliver wedge business. Scarfs should not be pitiful little strings of fabric hanging around your neck. They should be chunky, warm, and soft {like the one above from To Adorn}; as to keep you warm and to serve as a make-shift blanket/pillow when you're tired during classes. 

{Scarf c/o To Adorn // Coat c/o Sammy Dress // Remixed: Dress}

Finally, coats should be: warm, colorful, of good quality, and well-fitting {so you don't end up looking like the marshmallow man from Ghostbusters.} There you have it, my friends. The rules of winter according to Bri. The California girl who has only lived in the cold for a few winters....which obviously makes me the most credible source out there ;)

Another Sweater Date Night

Yesterday the husband & I ventured up to Salt Lake to do a little Christmas gift card shopping. We hit up Nike, Lush, Anthro {where I got the most adorable umbrella ring holder}, and instead of getting stuck in traffic on the way home we ate at Red Robin in SLC. I love that after being married for over 2.5 years, we can still have fun with something as simple as walking around the mall & admiring the gorgeous snow-capped mountains around us.

I will say, that after a couple of years into this marriage gig...it is way easy to knock down your 'date game' a couple notches. What's the point of getting dressed up and trudging around in the snow when I can wear my Wal-Mart sweatpants, eat Pizza Hut, and watch Netflix documentaries? Actually GETTING DRESSED makes a massive difference. Not only in how your spouse views you, but in how you feel about yourself! Granted, I'll take any excuse to dress to the nines {kinda like that one time I wore a sequin skirt to Smiths...} 

Which is why I was super stoked to test drive my new sweater from To Adorn! They sent me a couple of surprise goodies & I was pleasantly surprised when opening the package. This sweater fits like a dream, and while it is something I wouldn't have normally picked for myself, I ended up absolutely LOVING it! Comfy fit, gold thread weaved throughout, and a black lace back with polka dots...could you seriously ask for any more cuteness in one piece of clothing? 

{Sweater: To Adorn c/o // First sweater date night}

To Adorn is daily boutique site which offers awesome prices for trendy & adorable clothing, jewelry, and more! I paired this sweater with black ponte pants {for $13 from Tj Maxx}, Spellbound by Maybelline lipstick, Steve Madden bag {from Ross}, a Bebe druzy stone necklace {for $14, also from Ross}, and olive booties from Sole Society. 

One day I randomly entered an Instagram gift card giveaway that Sole Society was hosting, and I ended up winning! So I patiently waited {with baited breath} for these studded puppies to go on sale, when they did I pounced which presented me with the grand total of $9. Awesome deals just make my day, ok?

4 Ways to Wear Fur {Without Feeling Like a Yeti}

I used to be very hesitant about wearing fur, because it seemed so over-the-top and I felt kind of ridiculous wearing it. Although, since moving to Utah I've warmed up to the trend and have collected some furry accessories that make me feel all cozy & fancy! Here are some ways to wear fur, starting from the fur-wearing beginners and ending with you advanced fur ladies ;)

I am loving this cable-knit infinity scarf with some touches of fur from Loft, it is super warm and is a good starter piece for those hesitant about the fur trend. It's a good basic piece to your winter look because it adds a little extra pizazz and personality. 

The next step up from the cable knit scarf would be this all-fur infinity scarf from Target, not only is it affordable but it is also functional. This way, you can test-drive the trend without feeling buyer remorse! The brown & cream shades in this scarf make this piece a good staple that would match anything in your winter wardrobe.

Boots with the fur WITH THE FUURRRRR! Another purchase from Target, affordable and warm snow boots that add a fun touch to an otherwise subdued winter wardrobe. It's just a touch of fur, so your whole outfit won't be too overloaded with it!

This is another fun and essential accessory that has just a dash of fur. As well as the scarf, it's another piece that fur beginners can start off with before diving into the trend. 

This vest is for all you ladies who are well-versed in the ways of fur! It is a pretty bold look and not for the shy or conservative. So, only venture in to this trend once you feel comfortable with looooots of fur! It will not only draw a lot of good attention but will keep you cozy all day :)

How do you feel about the fur trend? What's your favorite piece?

{Linked up with Lipgloss & Crayons #FundayMonday}