this vs. that: crossbody purses

1. kate spade  |  2. Forever 21  |  3. Marc Jacobs  |  4. Target Merona

I know many of you bloggers always include a purse with your outfit photos, but as some of you may have noticed, I don't...reason being, I rarely carry a purse! That's right...I hate carrying a purse! I find them to be inconvenient, heavy, and I end up carrying stuff around that I just don't need.

A few years back I started using a wristlet as a purse, which works for me because all I usually need is my ID, debit card, lip gloss, and keys. However, I have been known to leave my wristlet on register counters, bar tops, etc (thankfully never for long though!). Lately I've noticed crossbody purses in stores and on blogs and decided to try one out. They're perfect for the girl who doesn't want to lug a huge purse around, but doesn't quite trust herself with a wristlet (ie...ME!).

Here are a few different options ranging from "this vs. that." I hope you enjoy!

P.S. Have any of you found any great "this vs. that" comparisons lately?

xoxo,

what i wore: navy + yellow

cardigan: H&M  |  scarf: SF China Town street vendor  |  jeans: Charlotte Russe (old)  |  earrings: Target (old)  |  flats: Steve Madden (old)  |  purse: Forever 21  |  Sunglasses: Forever 21 (old)

The funny thing about taking photos of your outfits, is actually seeing yourself. Not just seeing yourself in the mirror, but seeing yourself as everyone else sees you...which isn't always the same thing. For example, I've worn those blue sunglasses off and on for the past year, even going so far as to say they're one of my favorites. Then today, I upload the photos my boyfriend was so nice to take (thanks!) and I realize they're wayyy to big for my face and look ridiculous.

I also realized that there is such a thing as accessory overload...and that not everyone is made to wear dangly earrings...that's it's okay to stick with what you're comfortable. What can I say, I prefer teeny tiny stud earrings and I'm okay with that. :)

xoxo,

spring finds: dresses

1. Forever 21 Polka Dot Dress  |  2. ModCloth Family Portrait Dress  |  3. Forever 21 Pleated A-line Dress  |  4. Forever 21 Polka Dot Georgette Dress  |  5. ModCloth Minimalist is More Dress  |  6. Forever 21 Polka Dot Sheath Dress  |  7. Prabal Gurung for Target Full Skirt Dress  |  8. ModCloth Spin Time Alone Dress  |  9. ModCloth Ojai There Dress

Now that February is coming to an end, spring is practically upon us! With the warmer weather comes dress season...and I don't know about you, but I think I'm ready to put away the boots and scarves and start looking for spring wardrobe options. Here are nine of my favorite spring dresses from around the web. While some are a bit pricier than I'd normally post, I've also included some wallet friendly options.

I hope you enjoy, and I'd love to see some of your spring finds in the comments!

xoxo,

this vs. that: chambray shirt + red skinny jeans

Happy Friday! This is the first in a new series I'll be posting weekly..."this vs. that." I'll be highlighting a pricey outfit, alongside an alternative, much more affordable outfit. I hope you enjoy!

1. J. Crew Chambray Shirt, J. Crew Toothpick Jeans  |  2. Target Mossimo Chambray Shirt, Wal-Mart LEI Skinny Jeans

So, I'll admit I'm a huge J. Crew fan. I've always loved their classic styles, bright colors, and clean lines. However, I am not a fan of their prices...and I usually only purchase from J. Crew if it's on sale, or it's truly a one-of-a-kind piece I know I won't find elsewhere.

On the other hand, this is an outfit that can easily be re-created for a fraction of the price. I actually purchased both items from look #2 and they're great (post coming soon)!

Moral of the story...affordable fashion is out there, and it's easy to find if you know where to look! Have any of you found any great "this vs. that" deals lately? Email me or post your comment below!

xoxo,

sugar cookie bars.

I hope everyone had a great long weekend...for those that had Monday off...otherwise, Happy Tuesday! 

The weather was mostly cold and cloudy so I spent most of my weekend at home catching up with my DVR, laundry, errands, and all that fun stuff. Sunday I felt like baking and decided to make sugar cookies...though I made them as bars so I wouldn't have to frost dozens of cookies. What can I say, I'm all about shortcuts!

Sugar Cookie Bars

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 3/4 sticks of butter, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 3 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix the softened butter with the vanilla extract and egg. Next add the salt and baking soda. Using a hand mixer (or stir by hand if you like), add the powdered sugar and flour...about 1/2 a cup at a time.

Once all the powdered sugar and flour have been added, keep mixing until you have a thick batter/ball of dough. Next, lightly spray a 9x13" glass baking dish with non-stick spray.

Transfer the dough into your dish and spread out with a rubber spatula.

Once your dough is smooth, bake at 375 for about 16 minutes (don't forget to pre-heat your oven), or until the edges are just slightly turning brown. Be careful not to over-bake or your cookies will be dryyy.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 2-3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 stick of butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

Cream together your softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla. Slowly add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, and mix on low with a hand mixer. Continue adding 1/2 a cup of powdered sugar at a time, until the frosting is the consistency you like. I used about 2 cups for this recipe, but I wanted a "softer" frosting than I'd make for cupcakes.

Once your frosting is mixed, spread over the cooled dish of cookies. They really do have to be nearly room temperature or your frosting will melt!

Using a rubber spatula, smooth your frosting over the entire dish.

To make things more fun, select a color from the 20+ you have in your sprinkles cabinets (what, you don't have a cabinet dedicated to sprinkles? Weird.) and add generously over the frosting.

At this point I like to let the frosting sit awhile to "set" and slightly harden...but I can understand if you're in a hurry and can't wait. Using a pizza cutter, carefully slice your creation into "cookies" and enjoy!

Thank you for reading!!!

xoxo,

spring finds: jewelry

1. emerald island earrings  |  2. teardrop earrings  |  3. wintergreen earrings  |  4. beaded necklace  |  5. cast necklace   |  6. crackled teardrop earrings  7. beaded necklace  |  8. bicycle necklace

Spring is almost here...or it was last week anyways! Unfortunately today is cloudy and cold. To brighten up your Monday here are eight of my favorite spring jewelry picks from around the web. If you haven't checked out Target's in-store jewelry display, I encourage you to do so. It's very colorful, and "Kate Spadeish."

Happy President's Day!

xoxo,

what i wore: black + gray

 

 

coat: h&m, heart pin: DIY, blouse: h&m, skirt: thrifted, tights: target, ballet flats: tory burch, necklace: old navy (old), watch: target

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today marks my first real post and outfit of the day! I felt kind of silly posing for pictures in front of my house, but I'll get used to it!

As you can see, I'm wearing the very popular "sock bun" today. This hair style has become a favorite of mine over the past couple of months...it's literally effortless after the first few tries, and it really gives you a polished look on those bad hair days. Have any of you tried the sock bun yet?

P.S. I feel very "Gossip Girl" in this outfit today :)

xoxo,

diy: valentine's day sweater

This is my first DIY tutorial so I hope it makes sense!

If you're looking for a super easy DIY project for Valentine's Day, this is definitely it! You could really make this for any time of year, depending on the color and shape of the elbow patches you want to use.

For mine, I used a sweater I got at Target last year, and simply removed the decorative flowers. 

Next, use a cookie cutter to trace two hearts on a sheet of felt, and carefully cut along the lines you traced.

Pin your hearts in place on each elbow (have someone help you place them there, or mark with a piece of scotch tape). Thread a needle and carefully stitch your heart into place on each elbow. I used the most basic stitch, but you could get fancy here if you wanted to! :)

Next, we'll work on the felt pins for the front of your sweater. Go ahead and trace two more hearts on your felt and cut.

Using some sort of foam, or even another layer of felt, cut a slightly smaller heart and place between the two hearts. Btw, I used the foam lining from a pair of boots I got last week. 

Thread your needle again and carefully stitch along the edges of your heat, creating a small "pillow."

Once you're finished sewing the edges of your heart, trim the edges with pinking scissors (optional).

Next, attach a small safety pin to the back of your heart pillow, simply weaving the thread around the pin, and in and out of the fabric...continue down the length of the pin.

Once you're done, you should have something like this...

If you'd like, make another smaller pin in a contrasting color...I chose pink!

Using the safety pin you attached, pin your heart(s) onto your sweater.

Congratulations, you now have a fabulous sweater for Valentine's Day that you can proudly show off to your friends!

Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo,

hello!

Welcome to Andrea Everyday! With winter coming to an end, and Valentine's Day just days away, I thought it would be a good time to begin my blog, centered around some of the things I love, and sharing them with other people! 

I'll be posting about fashion (and where you can find affordable versions of the latest trends), DIY projects, tutorials, and recipes, among many other topics. I'll also incorporate various weekly and monthly posts such as "What I Wore," "This vs. That," "Download of the Month," and "Life Lately." 

Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy! ♥

xoxo,