Under $50 Shopping Favorites

I’d like to go on the record in saying...I tend to be hesitant to share sales with y'all because I feel like you want more from me than just the surface level of what I'm wearing or the latest sale going on…at least I hope so. Let's be real...the challenges we face as women are heavy, the stress of work and/or family life is real, the hurts and pain we experience is intense, the pressure the world puts on us...not to mention the expectation we put on ourselves. Oh, and our emotions. It's a lot!

Then I started realizing, I personally look to other bloggers to see what they’re using before researching a product! It saves me time in research because bloggers are the BEST shopping resources…they know their stuff. Maybe you like shopping, but maybe you don’t. If it’s a burden to you and I can actually help with outfit purchases or ideas, that would be such a joy to me.

Being open humanizes our picture-perfect Instagram boxes. So if “being open” today means sharing the best deals in retail therapy…DONE. Plus, we all need to take time to enjoy and have some fun. #treatyoself

I must note, my name is on the line in sharing these items with you (in every post, not just this one), so it’s integrity or bust. And in full disclosure, if you click and/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or any related social media platforms, I may make a commission from that purchase. All opinions are my own, as noted with “integrity or bust.”

Now that I have that off my chest, on to the under $50 DEALS! Cause I don’t feel bad about sharing them. :) Freedom!

Shop the post: Wrap Dress (under $40) | Satchel Handbag (under $40) | Sneakers: Prada | Bracelets: Fossil (similar here and here)

How cute is this wrap dress?! It’s my first wrap dress to purchase this season. Under $40 and floral. Sold. Love the flutter sleeves and the cut of the hem…somewhere in between a maxi and midi. I paired it with these sneakers, which I’ll explain here in a bit, but wouldn’t it be cute with some little slide or lace-up sandals?!

Nordstrom is having their Anniversary Sale through the weekend, so I picked out a few of my favorite under $50 sandal finds. There's only one exception to my "under $50" choices, which is the Marc Fisher espadrille...the only shoe in the entire Nordstrom sale that I texted to my mom to tell her that we both need a pair. :) Here's a link to the black and white color options of the same sandal.

I purchased my first pair of Marc Fisher shoes this winter at Nordstrom Rack and it's just a great brand. I've been wanting a flatform espadrille sandal, so I think this might be the ticket! My other favorites are the velvet Jeffrey Campbell lace-ups and the frayed MIA mules. When it comes to Nordstrom sales, don’t think…just buy and return if you change your mind. Otherwise, you’ll miss out! Sizes go fast.

Rose suede | Stone suede lace-up | Frayed mule | Denim

Black feather | Velvet lace-up | Embellished fringe | Espadrille taupe/mustard, black/white

Ok, so here’s my sneaker story. I was perusing Nordstrom Rack last week when I locked eyes with these shoes. “What are you??” I thought as I flipped the shoe over to look at the brand. PRADA? At Nordstrom Rack? I wish you could’ve seen my face. $595 sneakers marked down by 70% to $179? Jesus loves me this I know. It’s safe to say I’ve been wearing them every day and practically been sleeping in them, too. I searched the internet to find a similar bargain for you, but this is as close as I could get. Here's a few Prada sneakers on sale, but they're definitely not under $50 and they definitely don't compare to my steal of a deal!

There’s not very many items I set my heart on at the beginning of a season, but for the last few months, I’ve been wanting a red handbag for Spring/Summer. I kept thinking it’d come in the form of a crossbody bag, but when I saw this ring-detailed satchel with the optional shoulder strap…yes. It’s under $40 and holds all of the things, which is a major advantage to a crossbody. (It's also available in black.) The ring detail has been a high end trend, so here are a few accessible (under $40) options that have the special ring detail.

Red | Caramel 1 | Black | Blush | Light Grey | Caramel 2 | Silver

Happy shopping and much love!

Jess

LA City Guide | TRAVEL

LA City Guide | Travel

One of my bestest girlfriends, Hannah, has traveled the world, yet her adventures have never landed in California! With both of our work and travel schedules, it was totally miraculous for our calendars to agree, but when we found an open week to hit the road...we knew this girl trip was meant to be! I'm wildly grateful to have been her West Coast tour guide. :) Here's a list of the top places I wanted her to experience for her first time in LA. Enjoy!

Malibu Farm

My absolute favorite part of blogging has been the genuine friendships I've made...I never would've thought! I "met" Jackie through Instagram over a year ago and let me tell ya, she's as sweet as they come. Beautiful inside and out!!! It was such a treat to meet up with her in real life. Do yourself a favor and click over to her blog Dash of Panache. I absolutely adore her even more after squeezing in some hang time!

Shop my gingham top and Jackie's floral embroidered top

Salt & Straw | Venice Beach

I knew Hannah would fall in love with the quirky flair of Venice Beach...and we couldn't resist Salt & Straw...a favorite ice cream stop!

Shop my embroidered tunic and kimono

Living Like Locals | Malibu

Views from our front yard...

Alfred's Tea Room | West Hollywood

Hannah's first encounter with boba in her tea...she decided she's not about that life. :) But Alfred's Tea was a win nonetheless!

Shop: my metallic skirt and Hannah's off-the-shoulder dress

Dream Big | West Hollywood (read more here)

Shop: 'Dream big' tee, metallic skirt, similar headband

Malibu Cafe at Calamingos Ranch

Our self-timer selfie attempts...

Shop my tank dress (under $20) and cropped sweatshirt (under $30)

Piuma Rd Sunset | Malibu

My favorite sunset spot in the world...also pictured here.

Shop my tank dress (under $20) and cropped sweatshirt (under $30)

Charmlee Park Hiking & Point Dume Exploring | Malibu

Shop:

Jessica's swimsuit: Top, Bottom

Bottega Louie | Downtown LA

Shop:

Hannah's black off-the-shoulder dress (under $30)
My floral velvet burnout off-the-shoulder dress

Griffith Observatory | Hollywood Hills

Shop: metallic skirt and similar headband

Much love and thanks for stopping by!

Jess

The Writing On The Wall | DREAM BIG

Shop the post:

"Dream big" top: H&M (under $10!) | Skirt: H&M | Booties: similar here | Headband: similar here

I recently saw Leonie from ohhcouture posed up by this butterfly wall on Instagram and I thought it’d be such a fun spot to find while in Weho. (For the wall-chasers out there, the mural lives at 621 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA…little gold nugget when you land on an address!) My gal pal Hannah and I headed to our location. I had a pile of clothes in the backseat, as any blogger would, and I was wearing a denim jacket with the silver pleats at the time.

When I saw the wall in person, I realized it involved more red than I expected. I asked Hannah, “Do you think I should put the ‘dream big’ tee on instead?” We both agreed.

Fast forward to this week…I’ve been asking God big questions concerning life, direction, plans, and decisions. And so I find myself curious…where is the balance between wild adventure and reality? How can I live in both thrill and routine? Where is God in my desires? Are they selfish? Or on the flip-side, are they actually God-given? And how is one to know which end is up?

I don’t want to live lost in the clouds, but I’d rather be accused of fairytale thinking than small-mindedness.

I seem to have more questions than answers this week, but there seems to be a key in asking, seeking, and knocking. (“Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8)

As I opened my computer to import these butterfly pictures, just as bold as ever…“DREAM BIG” is scribbled all over the wall behind me. How did I not see that?? I can’t believe we didn’t notice the wall matched my tee!

Though the butterfly wall doesn’t answer all of life’s deepest questions, it does bring a sweet peace to me tonight. God is in fact involved in the everyday details of our lives. I may not always feel it, and some days I may not see it…but today, I can’t deny it. It's like writing on the wall.

Confirmed: God is involved in the details of our lives…even in our decision-making process…maybe even in our outfit choices.

He is leading us and guiding us when our hearts are submitted to Him. I mean, think about it…He had to really think ahead on this one. I found the tee while shopping for our trip, I found the mural on my Insta discovery feed (which we all know is one in a million ;), and I changed my mind about my outfit choice before shooting… All for me to realize once I’m home a week later and need a little reminder: it’s ok to dream big dreams because He’s the one ultimately guiding me.

I'm including a few of my favorite Scriptures on the topic below. If you find yourself wandering, or perhaps restless...I hope you find this encouraging!

With love,

Jess

This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him! ROMANS 8:15-17

---

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. PSALM 37:23

---

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. PROVERBS 3:5-6

---

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. PSALMS 23:1-6

Spotted: Crushed Velvet

Shop the post:

Jacket: similar here | Skirt: Nordstrom Rack ($21.97) | Sneakers: similar here | Sunglasses: RAEN (c/o Coastal) | Tights: ASOS

I recently asked my Facebook friends who their favorite makeup/beauty YouTubers are, which opened up a whole new world to me! I'm kinda late to the party, but better late than never, right? I've quickly become totally obsessed and completely mesmerized with these tutorials...anyone else?! My favorite so far is Kathleen Lights. Leave me a comment with your go-to YouTube gals so I can check them out!

Ok that had nothing to do with this outfit, but I literally have a makeup tutorial playing in another tab (too many tabs open) and it's been my life lately, so anyway... This burnt orange velvet skirt is on sale for $21.97!!! Nordstrom Rack for the win! I love the style contrast of the dressy skirt with the casual sneakers and the texture contrast of the skirt with the leopard jacket. This has got to be the softest outfit I've shared to date!

Here are a few more leopard and velvet finds all under $50!

[left to right: Slide Sandal, Leopard Choker, Bomber Jacket, Leopard Carryall Bag, Leopard Print Leggings, Smock Dress, Mid-Heel Pumps, Suede Crossbody Bag]

[left to right: Boyfriend Tee, Marc Fisher Glitter Heels, Shell Crossbody Bag, Private Academy Velvet Pants, BB Dakota Dress, Crushed Velvet Choker, Bow Slip On Sneakers, Crushed Velvet Jacket]

Much love,

Jess

Lightning Bold x Baublebar

Shop the post:

Cape: Sister Jane | Earrings: c/o Baublebar | Lip color: NARS | Booties: ASOS

This look was inspired by a pin I included on my recent Valentine Inspo board on Pinterest (see below). Throwing an inspiration board together when approaching a project, theme or season is my favorite way to brainstorm! It helps me get the ideas pumping and creative juices flowing. Since then, creating a glittery-eyed look has topped my list of editorial to-do's. So when this lighting embellished cape entered my world...game over! These Baublebar tassel earrings were the perfect statement to add to the Hollywood glam vibe, along with the blush booties (shewearseveryday).

credit: piiahiltunen.com

Think out-of-the-box. Think glitter. Think lightning BOLD!

With love,

Jess

Shop My Closet: February Roundup

If I had a penny for every time someone said, "If only I could come shop in your closet," I could've bought a whole new wardrobe by now! Cleaning out my clothes has been on a long list of to-do's for far too long now...but not anymore! DONE. Feels so good to have some spring cleaning under my belt!

I typically donate clothing, but I wanted my friends to have first dibs this time around! Most items are brands like Free People, Anthropologie, ASOS, Forever 21 and Nordstrom, and gently worn (AKA hardly worn).

Poshmark.com has made it possible to shop my personal closet! YAY. If you don't already have a Poshmark account, use code GVYXO when you sign up for $5 off your first purchase. YAY x 2. :)

Click here to view my closet, and/or download the Poshmark app and search 'jessicasheppard' under "Find People." "Follow" me on Poshmark so you can keep up with the new pieces I'll be adding to my virtual closet in the coming weeks and months!

I'm so excited to pass on some pieces I love to people I love. It seems to make cleaning out actually fun when I think about it that way. Let me know if you have any feedback and/or questions!

With love,

Jess 

Cinderella

Shop the post:

Cinderella sweater dress: ASOS | Tights: ASOS (2-pack for under $10) | Booties: ASOS (under $50) | Grab clutch: ASOS (under $25) | Eye shadow: Urban Decay | Curling iron: Beachwaver

For ASOS purchases, use code PREZ20 for 20% on President's Day only!

★ No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dreams that you wish will come true. ★

It’s no surprise I love Disney! When I saw this Cinderella sweater dress, it was love at first sight. It’s been sold out since I bought it, so when I noticed the “back in stock” (in both sizes) I knew I needed to post it pronto! Get to it because it will sell out again. For all ASOS purchases, I included a President’s Day promo code above!

The Cinderella details are subtle, which is what I really like about it. I get so many compliments on it before people even realize it's “Disney-themed.” As for the fit, it’s over-sized (I’m wearing a S/M). I dressed it up with my favorite ASOS tights (not as sheer as panty-hose, but not as thick as leggings) and booties (you know, the ones I wear every day), along with the sequin grab clutch. I really enjoyed playing around with the Moondust palette from Urban Decay for this look, so I included the link for that too!

I've been curling my hair with a Beachwaver recently (which automatically twists for you with the click of a button...super cool). I was quite skeptical at first, but was looking for a thick barrel wand, which is apparently really hard to find! The ones I could find wouldn't heat up fast enough for me, so I decided to try this one. Loving it!

With love,

Jess

At Long Last: A Story of Love and Hope | $600 Nordstrom GIVEAWAY!

About 2.5 years ago, one of my best friends said, "Do you follow Erin Morris on Instagram? I feel like you'd love her." As I glanced through her feed, one of her most recent pictures caught my attention...her engagement proposal on the California coast. "Wow," I thought. I clicked over to her blog and caught up on her love story...she documented the whole process, even before she met her fiancé Daniel. I found myself in tears! Deeply moved by her vulnerability and openness, touched by our similarities and parallels, encouraged by a total stranger.

Since then, I too began blogging, which is how I eventually connected with Erin personally. I feel like I blab on about how much my virtual friendships mean to me, but it's LIFE. You'll soon see how much internet intersections have meant to Erin, too! :) We've not gotten to meet in person (yet), but I'm looking forward to that day.

Here's your turn to meet Erin for yourself, at least on my digital space. :) She's a writer and blogger at www.GracefulWomanhood.com where she shares her passion for Jesus, fashion, travel, home, and her little family. She is a wife to Daniel, mama to Weston Joel, and has self-published two e-books and one print book. She loves coffee dates, tacos, and all things glam!

Now that we're all well acquainted, I asked Erin to share a bit of her story in honor of Valentine's Day! (I'm also giving away a $600 Nordstrom gift card with a few of my blogger friends below, so be sure to enter to win at the end of this post.)

Welcome to "once upon a time..."

Erin: I always dreamed of a special kind of love. A special kind of man. The “real deal.” That “can’t-eat, can’t-sleep, reach for the stars, over-the-fence, World Series kind of stuff.” Obsessed, can’t get enough, can’t live without him, best friends and soul mates, adventure-all-your-life-and-die-together-holding-hands like ‘The Notebook.’  A real man. Real. Who opens doors, really compliments your hair, notices every detail, brings you “just because” flowers, writes you cards and letters even though writing isn’t really his thing, and cherishes you. Just you. No one else. Who never makes you question it. Who shows up, is all there (in every way), who treasures. A gentleman. A good, good husband. A God-written love story. I’ve always been a dreamer, a hopeless romantic at heart. When I was a young teen, I said, “I want one man, one man only, and I want You, God, to pick ‘him’ out.”

And so, I began to pray. Aaaaand, wait. I didn’t want just any love. I wanted “it.” And I was willing to wait for “it.” The years rolled on. High school, college, my twenties started to play out. My best girlfriends began meeting their Prince Charming, walked down the aisle at their fairytale wedding, announced their baby news….and I was truly oh so happy for them. But I…still alone. I spent the years of waiting pursuing the Lord, my dreams, friendships, writing a blog full of my heart, my passions like fashion, traveling, and investing in my family and ministry. Looking back, some of the happiest and most fulfilling times of my life!

I loved being able to focus on my dreams and goals, friendships, and fabulous life! But, as those “waiting years” played out, I wondered where “he” was. Loneliness was my friend, at times. Doubt sometimes crept in. I missed “him” but I hadn’t met “him.” At some points, in darker seasons of life at that time, I wondered if I was maybe crazy for not wanting to settle for anything less than fireworks. Were my standards too high? Was I unrealistic? No. I knew my heart was right. I knew my “matching heart” was out there somewhere. And so, I continued to wait and pray. To hope. To dream.

---

"It is astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen." - Frances Burnett

---

And then, it all changed. Overnight. On December 29th, 2013, the love of my life would waltz into my life and sweep me off my feet, in a way I could have never imagined! 1,364 miles apart – he, on the east coast, and I, on the west. Because I’d shared my waiting journey on my blog and Instagram, a sweet blog mama friend of mine tagged me in a comment of an Instagram photo: a photo of three young men, posted by their mom, who jokingly shared the picture and captioned it with their single statuses, her desire for them to get married someday, and their ages and names! It was a joking and fun attempt to “match up” her boys. Many women commented, including a mutual friend of ours who was a blogger I’d known and trusted for a while! She tagged me in the photo, writing that I should meet the eldest of the single men, Daniel. His mom wrote to me. I rolled my eyes and continued with my constant blogger chant: “I will not meet my future husband on the Internet!” But, I replied. I was careful, he was kind. We commented back and forth on Instagram. Then, he asked for me email address and we wrote back and forth. It was all very “You’ve Got Mail” of us! Then, he asked for my phone number. And then, after weeks of talking – states apart – he told me, “I’m coming out to California to meet you.” He traveled from Maryland to Los Angeles, his viola (he’s a musician!) on his back, and we met “in person” for the first time at LAX airport. He stayed in my family’s guest room and I showed him all over Southern California’s best. It was nothing short of magical. Oh, that week getting to know him…. He was everything I’d hoped for, and more. And the rest? Is history. We fell in love, got engaged, got married, and we now have the most delightful little angel, our real life love, seven month old Weston Joel.

Prayers upon prayers, dreams and hopes were answered in the culmination of my love story. God remembered. He answered. In His perfect time. We aren’t perfect, but falling in love with your kindred spirit is bliss. He waited for me, too. And so many specific dreams came to life as we fell in love. It was…..sparks. Dreamy. Splendid. And has only grown.

Ladies in waiting, oh sisters. You are worth the wait. He is worth the wait. The love of a lifetime? It’s worth waiting for. Don’t give up hope, even when it feels like everyone else is moving on and you’re still standing alone. I can still taste the ache of waiting…I remember it, and always will. There are good, strong men out there who will woo and win and fight for and romance you. Know that. Do not settle for anything less. Even though, at times, I was mocked, questioned, misunderstood, or even pitied for it. Now…. Oh how worth the wait. Never in my life had I met a young man with such strength of character. Falling in love with him, becoming one, and starting a family has been the joy of my life. You are oh so loved, and are worthy of all the good things and love in this world. Don’t settle for anything less! The dreams and prayers will be answered. Sometimes in ways we would not plan or expect, but in ways that are oh so much better. All in good time. And it is so worth waiting for.

Read more of Erin's story in “At Long Last: A Story of Love and Hope” HERE!

---

I have teamed up with a great group of bloggers to give someone a $600 giftcard to Nordstrom. To enter simply complete the steps in the Rafflecopter below. Each item you complete is a separate entry so complete them all for your best chances of winning. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 2/13 and the winner will be notified via the rafflecopter below. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Much love and a "happy ever after,"

Jessica

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Shop the post:

Ruffle tee: ASOS | Floral headband: ASOS | Lip color: Anastasia Beverly Hills

I can’t tell you how excited I am to share my Valentine’s gift guide with you! I love shopping, but even more so…giving the perfect gift. So if Valentine’s Day hasn’t crossed your mind yet (heaven forbid), I’m here to help. Below is an abbreviated roundup of my favorite Valentine’s Day shopping picks! Find ALL of my selections under the “SHOP” tab in my main menu. (I'll continue adding to it in the coming days.) I've added a "Shop My Instagram" section there, too, and will be updating it with the favorite pieces I've been wearing on my Instagram. You can also easily shop my Instagram feed here.

I genuinely want to be a great shopping resource when it comes to the holidays and am doing my best to make my site as shoppable as possible this year! (Try refreshing this page if the shopping pictures aren't loading! I’ve also written out the items and included links within the text to help if you're having widget trouble.)

Ladies, if you like what you see in this post and/or in my SHOP section, feel free to pass it on to your guy! If there’s anything in particular you’ve been eyeing that isn’t in my shopping picks, send it my way and I’ll see what I can do to add it. :)

---

GIFTS FOR HER | to see all of my "gifts for her" picks, click here

Every girl needs a pom pom keychain...and this one's only $8.

I just love these 'mantra' bracelets from Nordstrom. I included several of them in my full list of faves (found under the "shop" tab in my menu bar). Buy one for her now and keep adding them on special occasions! Stackable memories. Brilliant.

Try these Nike kicks on for size...pair them with this Zac Posen bag for a street gone glam look.

This black one-shoulder dress (on sale) says fancy schmancy for your dinner date. Pair it with these Baublebar tassel earrings (I just got them in yellow) and Michael Kors bag for a very Valentine vibe. The handbag has a removable strap, so wear it as a tote or crossbody...basically two purses for the price of one. Wow, you're welcome! It's what I'm here for.

These statement earrings have the art deco flair...would look toooo good with this Anthro dress (that's on sale, I might add).

This is one of my favorite lip balms of all time...so soft and it's vibrant with color! Perfect for a no-fuss day.

---

GIFTS FOR HIM | to see all of my "gifts for him" picks, click here

I normally don't love gift sets, but check out this box from The Tie Bar.

If he's cool enough to carry a tote, this one is sharp. And here's a duffel for the traveling guy. (Backpack included in the full shopping roundup)

If he's all that and a bag of 1990's, this denim cap should do the trick. Pair it with these sneaks!

Keep it light with this table football setup and "Yoda one for me" socks!

Get him to the airport on time! Don't forget the passport. And the Ray Bans, of course.

---

GIFTS FOR HOME | to see all of my "gifts for home" picks, click here

This smiley face pancake pan might be my favorite thing ever. A close second is a custom address stamp.

Marble everything, please! See here: cheese board and clock.

On a softer note, this heart pillow is everything. And the Anthro throw wins.

Side table for $50 ain't too shabby. Add one of my favorite candle scents and adorn your walls with a personal touch! Royal.

---

GIFTS FOR MOM | to see all of my "gifts for MOM" picks, click here

This shawl is the most tempting item on my list! My mom is always cold (and I'm right behind her)! Versatile for lounging, travel, errands, or a chic casual look! Several color options and it's only available online.

This Kendra Scott necklace and earring are bound to make Mom swoon. A daintier option here.

Cole Haan 62% off?! I couldn't pass this colorful tote up.

As mentioned throughout this post, art is such a classy gift to give and receive.

---

GIFTS FOR BESTIE | to see all of my "gifts for BESTIE" picks, click here

I went for all things fun with the bestie picks! From a friendship bracelet, to carb socks, to "fries before guys" keyring, to an Instamax camera and BAE photo frame, to my all-star dry shampoo--I think that about does it! Oh, except for the Lisa Frank stickers that are included in the full line-up. :)

Happy shopping and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Jess