Sarah's Real Life

When: Monday // Weather: hot // Real Life: work

I just can’t keep up with the skirt length trends. Is this a midi or a maxi? A cropped maxi? I don’t know, but I like it. I’ve seen a few of these almost-maxi-but-above-the-ankle skirts around lately, and I assumed they wouldn’t work for me because I’m about 7 inches shorter than the average model. I tried on this one by accident (I thought it was your run-of-the-mill floor grazer) and now I want one in every color and pattern possible! I wore this to work even though I usually don’t wear maxis to the office – I feel like they make me look like I should be on either a beach or a red carpet (if only that were my life). But the slightly shorter length really makes a difference I think. Plus it means I don’t have to hold my skirt while I’m walking up stairs, and anything that prevents my falling down in public is something I can get behind.

I’m starting to think this length is actually more flattering than a regular midi that hits mid-calf (blasphemy, I know!). With this length, it’s only the narrowest part of the leg showing. Not to mention…you can wear it with flats OR heels. OK, I’ve definitely convinced myself now. I shall wear nothing but this length skirt everyday forever and ever amen.

Skirt (FYI, I’m 5′ 3″ & wearing petite) // Sweater // similar Shoes // similar Bag // Sunglasses (on sale in other colors) // similar Earrings (on sale)

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This post was sponsored by Vera Wang Fragrances via Influence Central. I received product and other compensation, but you know me…I only speak the truth.

Perfume (c/o Vera Wang Fragrances) // Hat // similar Dress (on sale) // similar Bag // Shoes

Once upon a time, I was a new college grad during the great recession and I made $8 an hour. (Congrats on your degree – you are now barely above the poverty line.) I had always been fashion-obsessed, so you can imagine my disappointment when adulthood didn’t immediately bring me the shopping freedom I had hoped for.

It was around that time that I started a little collection of designer perfumes. I could never afford a designer dress (or even a designer sleeve), but if I saved up for a month or so I could afford that pretty little bottle of delicious fragrance. Maybe it sounds silly, but it made 22-year-old me feel just fancy enough to forget about my not-so-fancy reality.

Over the years since 2008 I sort of lost interest in perfume (thanks, Obama). But recently I started to miss the fun of lining up those cute bottles on a shelf, and making perfume the first thing I put on in the morning. Anyone else who’s found their perfect scent knows what I’m talking about – the right one just makes you feel pretty, even on an off day.

I recently got to try out the latest scent from the Vera Wang Embrace collection: Marigold and Gardenia. It’s perfect timing for a scent combination like this because it’s super sweet-smelling and summery. Like eating a melon fruit salad while walking through a field of flowers (but without the bees). I spritzed it on this weekend when I went out for some daytime fun in the sun, but it would be perfect for a more intimate occasion too (winky wink wink). Or you can just wear it for the most important person in your life: yourself!

The best part is that even 2008 Sarah  could have afforded it, no problem. It retails for $29.99 at Kohl’s (in stores and online). If you want to sniff out an even sweeter deal (double pun intended) Influence Central is giving away 10 Vera Wang Embrace fragrance collection packs, which include 4 fragrances! The giveaway is going on now through July 12, 2016, and you can enter through the widget below.

Vera Wang Embrace Fragrance Collections

(Please note that Sarah’s Real Life is not sponsoring this giveaway and I play no part in choosing winners or distributing prizes. Be sure to read the official rules before entering!)

 

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