UNDER $100 - WHITE OUT

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! Its raining in CT and its nap time which means I'm getting lots of work done! I was due for an under 100 post and loved making this one because there are so many pretty (and well priced) things out there right now.

I haven't seen these dress pants in person but I LOVE the look of them! Perfect to pair with a silk top going out or even a t-shirt and a statement earring
The perfect little black dress for summer for under 100 - I love this one because its great for a trip into the city...flats during the day and pack a heel to change into at night
Again, not sure of the quality (but this brand surprises me!) but I love this tank...color and the lace detail:)
This dressy t-shirt is so elegant!
I recently ordered this robe! Love the weight of it for the spring/summer. Look out for an update on it in my Instagram stories!

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Posted on April 27, 2018 by Artemis Korkidis and filed under Lust List and tagged UNDER 100.

STYLIST TIPS

MY TWO CLOSET MUST-HAVES

When I begin working with a new client we almost always start with their closet. No matter how much you have or how organized you are, a good stylist should always roll their sleeves up and get their hands dirty so to speak. For most people its incredibly hard to part with things (myself included) especially when it comes to clothes...and there is always a story! "I bought this for when I go on date nights but now its too tight...but when I lose 5lbs I'll start wearing again". "I need to keep this dress in case I get invited to a party that is business casual but you can't wear black". We all create excuses and thats where getting a second opinion can come in real handy.

So what happens after you've done that? You're staring at three piles: sell, donate, toss...now what do you do? After many years of helping clients through the process I'm outlining my favorites below. Truth be told (unless you have something that has increased in value) you should prepare yourself for some disappointment. Online consignment has its pluses and minuses. Plus: you have a much greater chance of selling your item and selling it faster. Minus: These websites know what people are willing to pay and they also want to sell your item fast so their perceived value for you gently used Prada loafers might be less than yours. Insider tip: you set the price! Many online sites and apps let you set the price especially if its a designer handbag. Don't do anything you're not comfortable with. Finally, enjoy it! You just gave yourself a fresh start and hopefully some cash to save or spend!

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SELL YOUR HANDBAGS

Hands down my favorite site for selling a designer handbag is a California-based company called Fashionphile. I have used them countless times and have had the same positive experience every time. Why I like them: selling a bag is SO easy. You upload pics of your bag to their website and they turn around a quote within a week. The best part? They offer a "buy out" price and a consign price! If you select buy out you receive a check directly after they receive the bag. Their pricing is very competitive and they have excellent customer service. Fashionphile rejects your handbag? Any of the other sites mentioned below can be used but this is the first choice!

SELL YOUR CLOTHING

The Real Real is a great destination for selling your gently worn clothing. They have a list of approved designers on their website (make sure you check it because its always changing) and they provide you with a dashboard so you can track your sales and commissions. If you want to sell something quickly and aren't married to a specific price (or don't care how much you sell it for) this is the place. I'm always up front about that with clients because I have been disappointed. Commission starts at 55% and once you sell $1,500 it goes to 60% and once you sell $10,000 it will go to 70% for two years. PS they take jewelry!

Tradesy if you don't mind doing a little more leg work, I find that you can make more money using this site/app. Listing an item should take less than 5 minutes and once you sell the item the process is very seamless. Tradesy will send you everything you need: shipping label, tag for your item, tissue paper, and a bag or box to ship the item in. If you sell a handbag or shoes and need a dust bag they will send that too - at no charge! Its all included in the percentage Tradesy makes. They deduct a flat commission fee of $7.50 for sold items less than $50. On sold items $50 or more, they deduct a commission rate of 19.8%.

DONATE YOUR CLOTHING

Dress for Success

Vietnam Veterans of America

Local: Person-To-Person

Contact your local Salvation Army or homeless shelter

Posted on April 25, 2018 by Artemis Korkidis and filed under Outfits and tagged clothing donation fashionphile the real real consignment stylist.

A BOHO BLOUSE

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Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend! We attended a charity event on Saturday night and the day turned out to be beautiful! Actually the weekend was gorgeous...I woke up today feeling like my old self:) Spring is one of my favorite seasons for many reasons but mostly because I love wearing tops like this one. I wore it a couple of weeks ago (on a randomly warm day) to lunch with a friend, music class with the boys, and a family dinner. It took me through the whole day! I also love this one which comes pattered and in this white version.

Some other things I'm loving for Spring right now:

These metal bistro chairs are perfect for extra outdoor seating and they're a great price point!
I thought this would be a fun project to do with Luke. He loves planting and we could watch it grow on our kitchen table!
Love these simple summer earring for under $40...and these!

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shop blouses

white

patterned

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Artemis Korkidis and filed under Outfits.

ELEVEN MONTH UPDATE!

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Happy Friday! The sun is shining today and I'm feeling so grateful! Not only is it because the weather is nice, I'm so thankful that I took these pictures and can now look back and see just how teeny tiny Harrison was. I hate sounding cliche but time really does go too fast.

My most frequently asked questions are related to the boys nap schedules and their daily schedules overall. I haven't done this before but I'm chatting about Harry's below. Its not always easy but the most important thing for us has always been sticking to a routine. Because Frank and I both work outside of the home we opt for a slightly later bedtime so we can spend time as a family when we get home at night. Right now it works for us because Luke is in an afternoon school program. I imagine it will change next September when we need to be out the door by 8:45! EEEK!! PS I'm NOT a morning person and I have so much love and admiration for my friends that have to wake up with their kids at 5am. I couldn't do it!

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HARRISON'S SCHEDULE

7:00-7:45 Wake up and has an 8oz bottle of formula. We love this one.

8:30 Breakfast - Right now his favorite foods for breakfast are avocado, oatmeal, or yogurt. He loves ALL fruit and hates eggs!

9-10:45 He loves to play and look at books. Maybe its a second child thing but Harry is great amusing himself in the play kitchen for 20-30 minutes on his own!

10:45-12:45 Nap - both my kids nap and sleep at night with a sound machine and sleep sacks. Luke still uses one because he loves it so much. We have to get them from Europe because its the only place I can find them in the super big sizes!

12:45 Wakeup - 2nd 8oz bottle and lunch

1:30-3:30 Play (go on walks if it ever gets nice out!!!)

3:30-5:00 Nap

5:30-6:30 Bath Routine - both boys LOVE to take a bath. I think they would stay in it for hours if they could! We do bath, lotion, and PJ's and then its time for dinner!

6:30-7:15 Dinner - Harrison eats everything we do now. He especially loves Fish (salmon and cod) and pesto! Frank has an allergy to some nuts so we've tried all of those and luckily so far neither of the boys inherited it. We were a little behind on introducing a sippy cup with water but we now use this one.

7:30 Books - We're just getting to the age where I can get through one book with both boys together. Usually Harrison will squirm out of my lap or Luke doesn't want to read Goodnight Moon for the millionth time but they're really starting to get the hang of it! My mom ready to my sister and I every night and I still cherish those memories.

8:00 Bedtime! Sound machine, sleep sack, and we put Harrison down! It takes him anywhere from 5-20 minutes to fall asleep and he will usually babble to himself or sing:)

SHOP SLEEPWEAR

Posted on April 20, 2018 by Artemis Korkidis and filed under Outfits and tagged Harrison Luke routine.

ON ISLAND TIME

featured accessories

Clearly you can see I have vacation on my mind! I purchased this necklace a couple of weeks ago and knew I wanted to incorporate it into one of my lust lists. You can't tell from the pic but its actually oversized and I immediately thought it looked like an Hermes necklace (and certainly something more expensive). I'm not usually a green person but loved these pale tones paired back to blushes and ivory. If I do wear green its always a shade of "army" which is a closet staple!

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Posted on April 19, 2018 by Artemis Korkidis and filed under Lust List and tagged what to pack vacation cult gaia aerin tory burch bikini rachel zoe mango.

A DOUBLE USE DRESS + 5 THINGS

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If you've been following me for a little while now you know, I love white dresses! I saw this one and I had to have it. I was pleasantly surprised the price because the quality is excellent and it has a great weight to it. The fact that it can be worn as a wrap dress or a kimono was an added bonus and value! These sandals are also a STEAL! They come in black in this sandal version and are also offered in a high heel and sling back. Love the gray-blue color.

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5 pieces I'm coveting right now

1 entertaining

2 sunnies

3 easy jumpsuit

4 summer sneaks

5 splurge

Posted on April 17, 2018 by Artemis Korkidis and filed under Outfits and tagged lace summer spring dress crochet anthropologie sandals pom pom banana republic hat attack straw bag.

SPRING CLEANING

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Its time for some Spring cleaning! Spring felt like it would never arrive but after some warm days last week I was inspired to get a head start. It was the best feeling when I was all done! I haven't completely transformed my closet to warm weather clothes yet with all the fluctuating temperatures but I'm ready.

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Hangers Uniform hangers will instantly transform your closet. I like these velvet ones which come in top/dress and pant. It may feel like an annoyance at first but the result is a clean and modern look that will take your closet up a notch. Step 2? Organize by color! You will thank me when you're getting dressed in the morning and looking for that navy tank you need but can't find.

Storage Store winter clothes properly. Dry clean or launder in the warmest water possible for each garment (I prefer washing over DC because I can control what I'm cleaning them with. I like these bins but If you don't have a ton of room, these vacuum bags are great for storing under a bed.

Moths My arch nemesis! Seriously though, after working for Ralph Lauren for 7+ years our family has a fair amount of cashmere in our house. From blankets to baby sweaters I'd say about 50% of it has fallen victim to these pesky bugs. If you want to take the all natural route like I do nothing can guarantee you won't find a hole but here are some products and pointers that will give you your best shot! Never return a sweater to your closet if it smells of perfume. I like this natural alternative to moth balls. If you're a DIY kind of girl I use this lavender to fill up muslin sachets for all the closets. Change twice a year and give the ratchets a little squeeze once and a while to reactivate the lavender scent.

The One Year Rule My golden rule when it comes to cleaning out a clients closet! If its not a piece that you've reached for in the last 365 days, donate, sell, or toss it. More on this topic in a new closet cleaning post on the blog next week!

Save Your Boxes I know it sounds counterintuitive especially when we're talking about de-cluttering. BUT if you have the space (in an attic or basement) holding on to your designer shoe boxes or handbag dust bags will increase their value for resale.

Other tips and tricks:

Remove plastic off dry cleaning bags. Aside from your closet looking aesthetically better, chemicals used in cleaning your garments stay on the plastic and should be discarded.
If you have limited space, store scarves and rolled belts in handbags. It will help maintain the shape of your bags and conserve valuable shelf space.

non toxic products

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Artemis Korkidis.

ALL WHITE EVERYTHING

SHOPBOPSALE-thegirlguide-ArtemisKorkidis

get the look

Seriously I can't believe its Thursday already! Where did this week go?! There are so many great pieces in the shopbop sale right now that I decided to use it for this week's Lust List! I added these to my order last night...needing to update last year's run-around summer sneaker and they were under $100 on sale. Did you know that even if your first purchase only qualifies you for 20% off but you make another one during the sale they will adjust all your purchases to 25% off? This happened to me during their Black Friday sale and I was so happy with the customer service!

We're going to Florida for Memorial Day weekend and I've been on the hunt for a bathing suit. I just really want something that has decent seat coverage and isn't over $275 (so much harder than you think!). I'm a less is more person and really only want to own two good quality suits. This white one looks perfect so I'm thinking about it. White can be hard to wear if the fabric isn't thick enough. I like this one too - great nightwear lingerie brand so I'm thinking the fit will be really good. Don't forget to use code EVENT18 when you checkout:)

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MY SHOPBOP FAVORITES

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Artemis Korkidis and filed under Lust List.

SHOPBOP sale

SALE alert! This sale always sneaks up on me but this time I was prepared! I've been updating my wardrobe slowly for warmer temps and I'm still in search of some special event dresses and sandals. I love these that I picked up during the last sale (can't wait to wear them!). They also come in a wedge which is perfect for dresses or with white jeans. Use code EVENT18 for up to 25% off!! Happy shopping:)

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shop the sale

Posted on April 11, 2018 by Artemis Korkidis.

TRANSITIONAL TOPS

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Happy Monday friends:) The end of this week is looking like 60 degrees in Connecticut which is making me very happy! I will need all the sunshine and vitamin D I can get by then. Luke is having a planned surgery today (something we've had to get corrected from birth) and even though I've known for a while it was coming, I'm still extremely nervous.

Love this long sleeve option for the transitional months. I recently wore the one in these pics on a date night with these hoops and received so many compliments! You can also wear it back to white jeans or with a pair of shorts like this pair that I recently ordered (I have a slight obsession with olive shorts).

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GET THE LOOK

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Artemis Korkidis and filed under Outfits.

BLACK AND RAFFIA

Its funny, I rarely wear black in the Fall/Winter but I find myself gravitating to it more in the warmer months. Call me crazy! I love black and camel or cream. This lust list started with these under $100 espadrille sneakers. Also I've been dying to go away even for just a weekend and we just booked a trip with the boys to Florida! I can't even tell you how excited I am. This will be our first flight with Harrison and Luke together so that will be interesting but well worth it! Lots of What to Pack posts coming your way! Happy Thursday:)

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Posted on April 5, 2018 by Artemis Korkidis and filed under Lust List.

SILK DRESS

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SALE ALERT! One of my go-to brands for classic silhouettes and the BEST t-shirts is having Friends & Family and my dress is 25% off! I've also been eyeing this silk maxi dress in the light beige color for an upcoming event and I have this t-shirt that I wear under everything. If you're looking for an army green/military style coat this one is perfect. Love the tortoise buttons!

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currently loving

Posted on April 4, 2018 by Artemis Korkidis and filed under Outfits.

SPRING DESIGNERS

What are your favorite designers? This is a question I get all the time. For Fall it can be a little tough to answer because designers always surprise me! But for Spring/Summer I definitely have my go-to tried and true brands that never disappoint. I would describe by summer style as classic boho. Sounds like an oxymoron but I love boho dresses and tops paired with my crossbody bag and I also love clean classic silhouettes. Last year I discovered this brand and I fell in LOVE! They have beautiful prints and I love the west coast sensibility of it all.