Mean Girls Statement Tee

When I found this shirt at Marshalls the other day I knew that I had to have it prettyyy much asap. I never really used to be an advocate for graphic tees, but now every once in a while some trashy shirt will speak to me and the snarky side of me authoritatively yells "YOU NEED THAT!" This was one of those instances. Also, the fact that it was 7 bucks definitely helped it's case.

Anyway, I love it because it's just a simple t-shirt, but it's also (quite literally) a statement piece-so I thought it deserved to be styled as such. And besides, who DOESN'T love a good Mean Girls reference? It's basically a classic at this point. Also, speaking of Mean Girls...has anyone seen the actress who played Gretchen Weiners in anything lately? No? Oh, well why don't you just feast your eyes on this cringe-worthy Christian Mingle MOVIE trailer that she's in? Yes, it is a real thing. Yes, this does in fact exist. You are welcome, and happy Monday to you!

ANYWAY, Christian Mingle aside, what does your favorite graphic tee say? Let me know in the comments below!

xo, grace - @thegracemattei

PS - Can we just talk about how amazing this warehouse is that we took pictures in? Some construction workers were kind enough to let us take pictures in it while they were working-anything for a good picture, right?

keep it simple

Sometimes, ya just gotta throw on jeans and a white shirt. It's a classic...and after all, a classic never dies, right? Besides, I think the pleated shirt adds an extra element of sass (or class), and sometimes simple combinations like this can be a great transitioning outfit for Fall. 

Everyone keeps talking about how Summer is ending, and I'd like to pretend that I can relate, but let's be honest-in Phoenix, it's going to be Summer until Nov/Dec. In other words....it's hot as hell, always. So forgive me for the perpetual Summer outfits that I'll probably be bombarding you with once you all start piling on the sweaters and coats; it's simultaneously a blessing and a curse. (Just to clarify-I'm not exactly wishing cold weather on myself, but I would like to have a reason to wear this freaking coat I've been dying for ever since I saw it in this post. Ughhhhh. #dead)

Are you all looking forward to Fall? Or wishing that Summer was longer?

xo, grace - @thegracemattei

top/F21 (similar), jeans/UO, shoes/UO (similar here & here), bag/Botkier via Nordstrom (similar) 

The Perfect Combination

Lately I've been struggling at finding things that I really love, or feel like are "my style" without question...but when I saw this romper at Marshalls it just jumped right off the rack at me. Don't you love when that happens? It makes the decision easy; I love this, it's coming home with me right now! No muss, no fuss. Besides, it's like the trifecta of perfection: comfortable, flattering, and cheap! And it's floral. Can't beat it, right?

Bonus, I really love the outfit with this background too! Phoenix isn't exactly as pretty and picturesque as Palm Beach (where we used to live), so sometimes we really have to get creative in where we shoot. However, when we drove past this spot, it jumped right out at me-just like the romper! A match made in heaven. I think it might become a regular shooting spot; what do you think?

Do any of you have a favorite place to take your blog pics at? 

xo, grace

romper/Marshalls (similar), blazer/Nordstrom (similar), sandals/Sam Edelman, necklace/F21 (similar)

Linking up here, here, and here this week!

Fat Days (And Shopping Secrets)

When Schmoo and I took these pictures, I was having a total fat day. You know the ones I'm talking about...where you just feel like an amorphous blob and nothing fits you comfortably except your trusty ol' sweats. So what did I grab to wear? Well, the obvious choice: a loose, boxy dress that wouldn't cling to my body at all! I'm really loving loose casual Summer dresses lately...probably because it's currently so hot in Phoenix that you never want anything touching you, so they're basically the next best alternative to being naked all the time! Which could potentially be really awk.

In other news, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ended today. It seems like every blog in the world has been talking about what their wish list is and all the great deals there are...but you know what? I have a secret. The deals really weren't that great at all. Say what?

So I'm sure you've all heard of Nordstrom Rack, right? Well here in Phoenix, there is a tier of Nordstrom that comes AFTER Nordstrom Rack...and it's called Last Chance. Last Chance is basically a crazy ass ratchet mess that is always as busy as Black Friday, but for good reason-you can get the Sam Edelman shoes that I'm wearing for 19 dollars. Oh, and brand new Chloe boots for 100 bucks (true story). Dolce Vitas for 19 bucks. Cole Haans for 50. And the list goes on and on. This place is crazy. I'm telling you...it's like thrifting on CRACK (complete with crazy people that probably actually ARE on crack). Forget the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Forget Nordstrom Rack, even. If you ever find yourself in Phoenix, AZ, go to Last Chance. Hell, I will go with you, and personally convert you to a crazy bargain shopper...because it's just that good. In case you still don't believe me, I got 4 sweaters this past week for 2.50 each. That's cheaper than a Starbucks coffee! Guys, I'm obsessed.

Anyway, I digress. Basically, don't shop the Nordstrom anniversary sale...you will probably save more money buying a plane ticket to Phoenix and shopping at Last Chance. Ha! So everybody come visit Phoenix and I'll take you to Last Chance with me. Deal?

So what about all you guys; what's the best deal you've ever gotten?!

Cheers, 

Grace

dress/F21(similar), hat/Target(similar), necklace/F21(similar), shoes/Sam Edelman via Nordstrom (similar)

It's All in the Details

As most of you know, Daniel and I moved almost two weeks ago. Since we're busy, tired (and sometimes lazy) people who no longer feel like unpacking, we are still partially living out of boxes. I don't have to tell you how annoying that is, because if you've ever moved you already know. So instead of getting grumpy about all of the loose ends we have to tie up, and all of the things we have to do in order to actually be "finished" with our move in, I decided to take the camera around the new place and just take a couple of snapshots of things that I love about our new place, and the things that fill it and make it our own. 

If you're in the moving process, or hell, even if you're not-I would encourage you to do the same! Obviously these are all detail shots because there is stuff everywhere, but it's a good reminder that beauty and enjoyment can be found in small things. AH well. Anyway, I hope you enjoy them, and who knows...maybe once all of the dust settles and we're actually fully moved in I'll take the time to do a full apartment tour. 

Until then: what do you all do to keep sane when you're in the middle of a move or a big life change?

xo, grace

P.S.-It's August! And Friday! #TD4W

P.S.S.- The fourth picture from the bottom is a closeup of the pallet headboard that Schmoo just made for me. It's amazing, and didn't cost us a dime. Probably my new favorite thing in the apartment. He gets maddd husband points for that one.