Kate Spade Surprise Sale!

Happy Wednesday!

Kate Spade is having a surprise sale (from now until Thursday, August 14th, at 11:59 PM PT!) and there are some really great staples on sale! There is something for everyone, from wallets to purses to jewelry to baby bags to clothes and shoes.

I've selected four of my favorite items from the sale (believe me, there were many!) and showed how I would style them below.

Kate Spade Surprise Sale! by leopard-spot featuring J.Crew

navy & white floral keds sneakers // croissant change purse // leopard wallet // orange purse

I am loving the croissant change purse! I'm tempted to buy it to toss in my bag to hold jewelry that I take off at the end of my day before I drive home. I'm also loving the floral sneakers, but since I've been looking to buy a pair of New Balance sneakers I might (keyword: might) hold off... 

I'm heading to the outlet mall with my sister today to do some last minute back-to-school shopping for her! I will try to update on Friday with what I bought! 

xx, Amy

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Sweet Treats: Pie Crust S'Mores

Happy weekend!

Ummmmm, hi. How delicious do these look??? I am a huge fan of s'mores but since I don't have a fire pit or anything, well... it just isn't the same when you try to make them on the grill or in the oven. However, I'm pretty sure these would be amazing any way you make them. Yum. Check out the recipe on Just A Taste! 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

xx, Amy

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What I'm Loving Right Now: Lariat Necklaces

Happy Wednesday! 

Lately I have found myself straying from huge statement jewelry and preferring simpler, more delicate pieces. I've been loving long pendants and tassel necklaces, but I am craving the look of layers upon layers of dainty necklaces! I am loving y-shaped lariat necklaces because they combine both of my current loves - dainty and delicate jewelry with longer necklaces.

I have a few necklaces saved on Etsy, now it's just a matter of picking one and completing the order. Here's some of the images I've been loving as inspiration! My favorites just have the necklaces paired with a casual tee - so easy and cool!

via Nhour's Etsy shop

via LayeredandLong's Etsy shop

via Stephanie Sterjovski

via elladolce's Etsy shop

via Courtney Kerr

So, tell me - do you have a necklace like this? Do you have one on your shopping list? Are you on board with the trend?

xx, Amy

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Recent OOTD's

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Lately I have been really into Polyvore - I used to post outfits almost every day but I fell out of the habit since I graduated college and only posted once in a blue moon. I've been playing around with different social media sites lately (Polyvore, Tumblr, and Instagram) and have really gotten the blogging itch back! Here's some of my recent outfits - not sure if  I should keep the dates on the images or remove them... thoughts? 

You can click on the link below each set to find out where the pieces from each outfit are from! Feel free to follow me on Polyvore (click HERE) or to pin these images! 

OOTD: Feather Paisley Debut! by leopard-spot featuring cropped jeans

OOTD: Sister Lunch & Shopping by leopard-spot featuring leather shoes

OOTD 7/15/14 by leopard-spot featuring a ray ban aviator

I would really like to post "real" outfit photos one day but I don't feel comfortable in front of a camera nor do I have all of the photography skills and tools on hand to achieve the images I would want to produce. Guess I should play around with my camera instead of social media sites, huh?! If you have any tips for beginners please let me know!

xx, Amy

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Festive for the Fourth

Hi everyone!

Happy Fourth of July to everyone in America and Happy Friday to everyone outside of the U.S.! I hope everyone is having a great day and has plans for a great weekend.

I have to work this evening, so I planned a patriotic outfit for work and a bottoms swap to go watch fireworks with my family! We got a pass to go to a local fireworks show and Fourth of July "festival" so it's going to be a little different than our backyard barbecue and driveway fireworks watching!

Festive for the Fourth by leopard-spot featuring ballerina pumps

j. crew sweatshirt // j. crew fluted skirt // j. crew ballet flats (old, similar) // j. crew denim shorts (similar) // red converse

I recently tried the fluted skirt and I absolutely LOVE it! I can't wait to wear it, and it looks great with the striped sweatshirt! I might actually have to wear jeans at night though - it's been very cool for the past few days. Sweatshirts in July, how weird. 

Have a safe and Happy Fourth and a great weekend! 

xx, Amy

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J. Crew Sale Picks: Fall Basics for Less

Happy Friday!

Summer might just be kicking off, but some of the amazing deals in stores right now won't be around when temps start to cool off. J. Crew currently has amazing deals (especially in store - 40%-50% off sale items!) and so many of the items in the sale section are perfect to pick up for fall on the cheap.

More money for iced coffees, I say!

Here are my picks for some pre-fall shopping:

J. Crew Sale Picks: Fall Basics for Less by leopard-spot featuring a blue skirt

New Schoolboy blazer in navy or black - If you are looking for a classic blazer, this is the one to get! The Schoolboy is a J. Crew classic and it is perfect for mixing and matching with business casual wear, adding some polish to jeans, or wearing as a jacket on a night out with the girls. I love the slightly longer length on this one; it has a much more slimming, tailored look than the original (more cropped) Schoolboy. Check out your local store for this one, it will be a much better deal in store! 

Merino zip-shoulder sweater - This sweater is a great piece to wear with jeans or with dress pants/skirt! I love that this one is a little bit boxy and that you can add a scarf for a different look. It's currently available in several color options and is only $20 after the additional percent off sale! 

Fluted skirt in double crepe - Ahhh, this deal is probably my favorite. Honestly, I did not think this skirt was for me until a couple a days ago! I've been slowly losing weight and wasn't able to make this skirt work a couple of months ago; I tried it on a whim earlier this week and bought FOUR COLORS that day. This is a great day to day skirt but it's also fabulous for wearing on a night out - the fluted shape is so flirty and fun! $30 after discount + 8 available colors = must have. 

(Krista from Covering the Bases has this skirt in every color - check out her blog for some styling ideas! Carly from The College Prepster is also a huge fan!)

Andie chino (available in petite, regular, and tall!) - A great alternative to jeans, the Andie is a slim fitting chino pant. Tons of colors are available and these are a total steal in stores! Psst... see a color you like but it isn't in store? Have an associate order it for you AND get the in store price! My favorite color is the safari fatigue color - so versatile! 

Merino triple stripe sweater - Stripes are a wardrobe essential for me, and I love this ivory/tan iteration! Plus - elbow patches. Another slightly boxy sweater, this one looks great on its own or layered over a button up. Perfect with jeans and cognac riding boots!

Flower bud tassel necklace - This necklace just got marked down in my store and now that it did, I am obsessed. I think this is a really elegant and unique necklace that will work for a lot of different occasions. 

Houndstooth baseball cap - I am a baseball cap freak (no, really... I keep having to upgrade to a bigger bin for all of them. Oops.) and this one is really fun for fall. I would pair it with my green fatigue jacket but it would be great with a black outfit as well. We all have those days where a hat is necessary.... why not make it this statement cap? It clocks in at about $14 online. 

Size zip varsity dress - This knit dress is a great basic. I think this one is great with flip flops, a chic pair of sneakers, or even boots as we look ahead to fall! 

Minnie pants in stretch twill - These were the unofficial uniform of my sorority for our weekly chapter meetings. At first only a few women had them but they looked so good with everything we all ended up buying a pair... plus they are incredibly comfy! Pro tip: these will stretch out as you wear them so buy them snug. Sounds scary but you will be so glad you did! I know from experience. These are a great deal online but are also on promotion (some colors) or on sale (in other "seasonal" colors) in stores. 

The Downtown Field Jacket - This water-resistant is a chic staple for women everywhere. It's a little bit pricey but is well worth it - it goes with everything! Dresses, skirts, jeans, leggings and a baseball cap.... This is a great deal online -$128 with an additional 30% off - doesn't get much cheaper than that (it's another classic J. Crew piece that never gets marked down). Available in dark olive green (a.k.a "mossy brown"), navy, and black. 

Embroidered button top - I have this top and LOVE it! It's my ideal peasant top - the white on white embroidery is timeless and seasonless. I think this one is great for the summertime but I plan on wearing it with jeans and boots this fall too. 

If you are heading to a store this weekend, be sure to keep in mind that you can order anything that you don't see in store right there in the store! That means if you have been checking out something in the sale section but don't see your size in store, you can have it ordered and still get the in store price but have it sent straight to you instead of going from store to store! LOVE that about J. Crew! 

What are your pre-fall shopping picks? Or are you not even thinking about fall yet?! Honestly, I don't blame you.... it has been so hot and humid this week! Thinking cool thoughts helps though, right?! 

Enjoy your weekend!

xx, Amy

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May Instagrams

Happy Monday everyone!

I hope you all had a relaxing weekend. I did and it was a welcome break from a busy back end of the month. A wedding, new responsibilities at work, a fabulous roll out, my sister coming home for the summer, and a few wonderful days with my boyfriend!

I've compiled my Instagrams from the month to show what I have been up to! They are just a small snapshot of my day but most of the time I prefer to be a passive Instagrammer as opposed to an active (or overly active) one! I feel like I really upped my 'grammin game this month - what do you think of my latest Instagrams? Follow along by clicking any of the photos below or finding me in the app - @leopardspot!



xx, Amy

Twenty Three

Today is my birthday.

via Joy The Baker

I'll be honest - I don't like my birthday. I really don't like being the center of attention for something I didn't really do (let's be real, we should be celebrating my mother). Designing great t-shirts for my sorority, yes I can be the center of attention for that. Doing a killer job in a roll out, yes I can be the center of attention (well, not really because roll out takes a village) for that too. Just existing? Not my thing.

This year is kind of stinky especially because I'm living at home (no friends around), the weather is disgusting (um, it's snowing in April. What?), and because I have had a rough couple of weeks. I am not in the mood to celebrate at all and it's not like anything special is happening today. I was thinking about what I would want my ideal birthday to be and honestly, I would love a whole spa day. Massage, mani/pedi, a haircut/blowout, a face mask.... they all sound pretty ideal. Today, on the other hand, has just felt like another day with a ton of things I just have to do. Plus I work tomorrow and everyone will have all of these high expectations of what I did on my birthday and I didn't even get to get the pedicure I planned on getting. Bleh.

I wish I could have a cute, blog "worthy", Glitter Guide-style birthday, but it just isn't for me I guess. I wouldn't be opposed to trying it one year though......

xx, Amy

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Birthday Wishes

Hi everyone!

Since it's April (whattt!?!), that means my birthday is coming up in less than two weeks! I created a Pinterest board to keep track of my birthday wishes and today I'm sharing it here.

Notable on my birthday wish list:
A monogram necklace (I've wanted one for years now and figured now is good as time as any!)
An XL curling wand (I love my current curlng wand but want something bigger for beachy waves).
Some BaubleBar jewels (I have been loving statement earrings lately!)

Follow Amy H's board Birthday List on Pinterest.

Anything you are currently loving from BaubleBar? Don't forget to sign up for a membership and start earning Vault Points!

xx, Amy

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First Day of Spring Inspiration

Hi!

Today is the first day of spring, and it started off incredibly dreary and snowy. I was in a grumpy mood all morning until I left work and it was sunny and warm enough (47 degrees!!) to go without a coat. I was browsing the internet with an iced latte I purchased without feeling weird about (am I the only one who drinks iced drinks year round?) and came across the adorable pajamas from Aerie below!

First Day of Spring Inspiration by leopard-spot featuring a ceramic coffee mug

top // shorts

I think these PJs are so cute! They have it all - a color palette I am currently obsessed with, a flower detail, and some bright embroidery. They look perfect for lounging around with coffee on a Saturday morning! 

I have been obsessed with pajamas lately - it's becoming a serious addiction. I regularly have to stop myself from buying a new pair of PJ shorts! I'm looking for some cute new ones for spring at a price that won't break the bank. Where do you like to get your PJs? 

xx, Amy

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Inspired By: Miss Congeniality

Happy Monday! 

Something I never seem to have is a new movie to watch. I end up watching the same movies over and over and over again.... and while I love them, sometimes I need something new! On a recent Target run, I picked up a copy of a classic: 

I couldn't go wrong with Miss Congeniality, especially when it was Miss Congeniality + Miss Congeniality 2 for $9.99! I've watched both in the past week and I forgot how funny they are. Plus, Sandra Bullock is gorgeous on top of all that funny. 

Sandy, does that dress come in my size?? Seriously, that dress would still be perfection today. #hot

Anyways, while I was watching, I got to thinking about what Gracie wore during the movies and how her wardrobe still looked good in 2014. Let's be real, Gracie would have preferred her donuts not to be screen printed on her t-shirt and we know she was always craving a Starbucks venti iced caramel macchiato (and a punch or two), but it's fun to envision what would be in her apartment if Gracie was your BFF in 2014. 

purple dress // heels // pearls // doughnut tee // moroccan oil // hairbrush

starbucks // NYC tank // stouffer's // ray-ban aviators // white shirt // boxing gloves

Essentials: a doughnut tee to curb those doughnut cravings, a knockout bandage dress and stillettos, a tangle of polished pearls, Moroccan oil + a hairbrush for appearances, Starbucks because obviously, boxing gloves and a NYC tank for seat sessions at the FBI headquarters, Stouffer's frozen meals because they're fast and delicious, and of course Ray-Ban aviators and a white shirt for when you mean business.

And with this, I wish you all a happy Monday. Only five days till Friday!

xx, Amy

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2014 Thus Far

Hi everyone.

So it has been a looooooong time since I've posted on here.... and it has taken a while for the urge to blog to return.

Originally I planned to resume blogging after the craziness of the holiday season had ended and I wasn't working 7 days a week for 10 hours a day.

Then New Year's hit, and well.... everything sort of hit the fan. My grampa had to go to the hospital because of a skin infection. Then my gramma fell, broke her hip, and had hip replacement surgery. And in the middle of that, my grampa has had arthritis flare-up and heart problems. So for the past six weeks my family has been taking care of my grampa at his house and my gramma at the nursing home. The good news is my gramma is back at home and doing well physically. The hard part now is the adjusting, for my grandparents and the rest of my family as well.

It has not been easy.

And trying to be light and happy and wanting to write about pretty things.... that has been the last thing I have wanted to do. It hasn't been the last thing on my mind, in fact I have been thinking about it a lot. For the past couple of weeks I have really felt the urge to blog again, to write about something that excites me, to write about something that I think is beautiful or a great deal.

So, I am going to ease back into this blogging thing again. I have recipes I want to share, DIY-s I want to post, and new ideas for leopardspot. I really hope to work towards my ultimate goal for this little bit of the internet. Fingers crossed.

xx, Amy

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