21 Things For $25 AND UNDER at Nordstrom!!

I have and love most of these and at these prices, you can't go wrong!! Free shipping and returns (always) at Nordstrom 💕 Click the pic to go straight to the item--
[affiliate links]

XOXO,

Not A Two

Oprah's Favorite Things!!!

As usual, most of Oprah's Favorite Things for 2017 are now mine too 💗 Below are my picks from her very long list! Click on any picture to go straight to the store sites for each item, and please don't miss the little gray arrow to see more!  [affiliate links]
Click here to see ALL of Oprah's Favorite Things!!

That super cute buffalo check Sorel boot is also here: http://amzn.to/2hIENxr
There are LOTS more of her fave's on Amazon!!
Click here to see ALL of Oprah's Favorite Things!!

Gift Ideas for Ladies from $9-$100(ish)!!!

Not going to chatter in this post at all, just going to post some of my gift ideas 😀 Well, one thing--the Kate Spade bracelets and necklaces are engraved! Click any picture to go straight to the items!    [affiliate links]

Nordstrom Rack + More Holiday Weekend Sales RoundUp!!!

There are some good sales happening this weekend, so I've rounded up the ones that I'll be shopping plus some of my fave items that I already have from Nordstrom Rack! Click the blue words to go straight to the items! 💗
[affiliate links]
This $29 cardi, $19 top and 7 For All Mankind denim are all super soft and comfy! The denim will stretch with wear so I size down one size.

$22 Top below is a new fave 

and denim are Kut from the Kloth for $29!

I can't get over how much this top reminds me of Gibson Cozy Fleece except that it's $19! 7 For All Mankind denim are up to 63% off 😄 I size down one size in this  brand. Flats are crazy comfy and available in several cute colors!

Caslon top is a $27 staple for Fall and available in lots of colors! Boots are at Nordstrom but are marked down and they are perfection! 

This top reminds me of Free People except that it's only $22! Four great colors available and so comfy cute! Denim are the same Kut from the Kloth pair linked above and same for the flats 😊 

Shop the entire Clear The Rack event here!

More fave's from the Rack:

Other sales happening this weekend--

 Dress Barn! 25% off of regular priced items with code STOCKUP25 here.

I ordered the dress below for $33! I can't wait to get it!!!

LOFT has extra 60% off of sale styles here: http://shopstyle.it/l/jIJF

and 40% off of full priced styles here: http://shopstyle.it/l/jIJU

Bloomingdale's Friends and Family Event with 25% off of select items and free shipping here: http://shopstyle.it/l/jIN2

Anthropologie has extra 40% off of select items here: http://shopstyle.it/l/jIM4

JCP is basically giving things away with code 36FORYOU here: http://shopstyle.it/l/jINt

See my blog post with JCP picks and outfits here: 

Fall Outfits with JCP!!

Kate Spade has extra 30% off of sale styles with code SWEET here: http://shopstyle.it/l/jIOp

40% off at Express here: http://shopstyle.it/l/jIOJ

Up to 60% off at American Eagle here: http://shopstyle.it/l/jIO8

Up to an extra 25% off at Macy's here: http://shopstyle.it/l/jIIL

At Lord & Taylor, get up to an extra 25% off with code COLUMBUS here: http://shopstyle.it/l/jIIN

40% off at Abercrombie here: http://shopstyle.it/l/jIPR

50% off at J.Crew Factory here: http://shopstyle.it/l/jIQ1

Up to 40% off at Urban Outfitters here: http://shopstyle.it/l/jIQx

30% off new markdowns at UGG here: http://shopstyle.it/l/jISy

I splurged on these in Sand and have zero regrets 😃

Have a wonderful weekend beautiful ladies!!

XOXO,

Not A Two

[affiliate links used]

Fall Outfits with JCP!!!

Hello lovely ladies! Okay let's talk JCPenney's please. If you want, you can skip all the commentary and allll items are at the bottom of this post ;) 
Soooo I haven't shopped in JCP in YEARS and as it turns out, I've been missing out! I went in to one of their stores a few weeks ago and found some truly cute pieces that are not lacking in quality AND at unbelievable prices 😊 It seems that they are always having a sale online, so be sure to check for codes on their website at the top of their site! I won't put pricing on every item below as I show them, because the discount usually depends on how much you buy, but I am pretty sure that you will be shocked at the prices if you add to cart and add the code 😄 SO now that I think I've covered all the must know stuff, let me show you what I've found so far- 

PS: Click the blue words beneath the pics to go straight to the item!  [affiliate links]

This long cardi is good quality, soft with a little stretch-- and is available in LOTS of great colors! TTS or size up if in between. I'm normally between a med and large and I'm in a large in this one. Love it for work or play. Insert heart eyes here :)

Pants, denim and flats linked below.

Loving this 3/4 sleeve tee that is soft with a great length and available in solids or stripes! White is not sheer (I'm wearing a black bra under it in this pic) and is great alone or layered under anything. Scarfs, jackets, cardi's are all welcome here 😍  I think this one runs small. For reference, I sized up one size to an XL. 

Denim have good stretch and so cute! 

I wear this outfit to work on repeat, but this top will go to weekend night out just fine too. 

Top is TTS, no stretch so size up if in between. For reference, I'm in large. Lots of pretty colors available.

Pants are TTS or size up one if in between. Soft with a little stretch and lots of great colors for Fall too. I'm in Purple Paragon and LOVE this gorgeous color in person!

Flats are from Nordstrom, so comfy with extra padding, I sized down a half size!

I really don't think that I could love a plaid top more than this one, and I've even tried the super soft and popular Rails Hunter plaid top. This JCP one is truly almost as soft as Rails, great draping, great length, great colors. TTS or size up if in between. For reference, I'm in large. It's only $22 with the current code on the website too! And Rails, well they're wonderful, but the price is, well, click here and you'll see.

This cardi is the softest plus pockets plus GREAT colors and you won't believe the price!! TTS but forgiving so you could probably size up or down in this one too. For reference, I'm in a large. Great for work or play 💕 and available in four colors.

If you love colored denim, these are some of the best I've ever tried 💓 Very soft, very stretchy, TTS, available in several great colors for Fall + a couple of denim washes and super comfy! For reference, I'm in a 12. 

Top is super cute in person, comes with the cami to match underneath and the cami is separate so it could be worn under other tops too! Such cute detail in this top and it's available in four colors. TTS or size up if in between. For reference, I'm in large. 

This dress is so much cuter in person! Great for Fall alone or with a denim jacket and booties (booties would be much better than the shoes I happened to have on here when I was shopping in store). It's TTS or size up if in between. Just a tiny touch of stretch in this one. 

And those are my fav's (so far) from JCP! I've also added all of those plus a few extras that I also love below. Remember to look for a code on their site to save even more!

XOXO,

Not A Two

Nordstrom Sale Picks!!

Good morning beautiful ladies! I got up early and poured through the pages and pages of Sale items and only made it through about half of them so far, but here are my picks below for now. I plan to go through the rest later today and hopefully will have another round of picks soon. There are still some really good deals on some great pieces! Everything I picked below still has most sizes (currently) available and most have more than one color available too! Happy shopping 💋

XOXO,

Not A Two
PS: If you're on your phone, please don't miss the little grey arrow about half way down to see more!
[affiliate links]

All the cozy feels: all my fav sweatshirts!!!

   Now that we are getting closer to cooler weather, I'd like to dedicate this entire post to my favorite, no, more than that, to the sweatshirts that I now call my beloveds 😁
I mean, can we just take a minute and appreciate that sweatshirts exist in this world? I'd wear one every day if I could, and I am pretty sure that I am not alone in that because I see what you girls purchase the most of, and the cozy comfy tops are always at the top of the list of most purchased items from my page [specifically this one lately: http://bit.ly/2wS0OMc] and I could not love that fact more. We are over 3,000 soul sisters XO 💕  
   Also, I think we can all agree that it is the best flippin' news since sliced bread that so many designers are now turning out updated sweatshirts that truly give us the best of both worlds--it feels like a sweatshirt--it looks like a regular top 💓 Now THAT is worth celebrating, yes? YES😁

First up is just such a magical thing, and just so happens to be the least expensive of the group:

Feels like a sweatshirt, looks like a top! It's perfect for Fall and marked down to $28 [reg $42] + free shipping! Soft, great fit, great length, so cute with that knot! TTS or size down if in between. For reference, I'm in a medium. Perfect Fall transition top because mid weight material and it's in several colors here: http://shopstyle.it/l/g6N0

[affiliate links]
Denim is Wit & Wisdom--great fit, not skinny cut but not too loose, TTS [I'm in a 12], available in sizes 0-16 and marked down to $40 [reg $68] here: http://shopstyle.it/l/gG7r 
More Wit & Wisdom denim here: http://shopstyle.it/l/g6Mb

Sandals--Sam Edelman, super comfy, TTS and super cute in several colors with some colors marked down here: http://shopstyle.it/l/gG8r [affiliate link]

Now for my very favorite:

Yes, I bought three colors. If it ever goes on sale, I will buy more. It is that amazing. I've worn this to lounge in and I've worn this champ of a hybrid to work many, many times. The extreme softness, the COLORS, the comfyness, and I cannot get enough of this top!!! I wish you could feel it through the screen. It's squishy soft and it’s a great fit, except you might want to roll the sleeves up, and it's versatile too. It'll do work to weekend just fine. I must mention this-- wash it on delicate and lay flat to dry BEFORE wearing or it might leave some super soft little fuzzies on things. TTS or size down if in between. For reference, I'm in a medium. LOVE this one!!!! Three stores have it--
Available in the most colors here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fMT1

In three colors here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fMRR
and a couple of colors with free shipping here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fMV3

Denim on the left here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fMVB
Denim on the right here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fMTv
Booties here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fMUP

Then, there is this cute little sweatshirt:

It has interlocking ribbon that details each side and finishes in the cutest ties at the bottom of each side. It's crazy soft too! This one does run small. For reference, I sized up one size to an XL and I'm in Kensington Purple. Be sure to check for codes on the site for savings 💗

Four colors here: http://shopstyle.it/l/gIyA [affiliate link]

Next is more of a regular sweatshirt look but with some good length to it and it's crazy soft too:

I'm a sucker for super soft every time. Caslon, take my money. This one is in reg and plus sizes too! Runs a bit small. I'm in a medium and would actually like a little more wiggle room. So I'd say it is TTS for a fitted look, size up for a more roomy fit.

In reg sizes and four colors here: http://shopstyle.it/l/ghPN
In plus sizes in three colors here: http://shopstyle.it/l/ghRs
[affiliate]

Next, I'll admit she's not AS soft as the others, but still soft, plenty cozy and completely super cute! 

It's now marked down 40% off!! TTS or size up if in between. For reference, I'm in a large. It's a thinner sweatshirt material and will be great for Fall 💗
Pink Adobe here: http://shopstyle.it/l/ggod
Grey here: http://shopstyle.it/l/ggnr
[affiliate]

While not exactly sweatshirts, I would be remiss not to mention Gibson Cozy Fleece in this post. An entire line of the best, soft, stretchy, versatile material in lots of options here: http://shopstyle.it/l/g6Ko

And there you have it! I'm off to taxi my son and friends around town and maybe get some in store shopping squeezed in too...maybe. Also praying for Florida and Texas! I'll be donating money and supplies to help!

XOXO,

Not A Two

Fall Transition Pieces with Saks Off 5th!!

Found some amazing Fall transition pieces (well, plus some Sorel winter boots) at Saks Off 5th. Some of the items are an extra 20% off with code SHOPIT too! I mean, extra 20% off of the already impressive prices below 😍  Well, some of them anyway! Remember to try the code though!! I made sure to pick items that have most sizes currently available but everything is going crazy quickly so please don't hesitate if you want something. One more thing, be sure you find the little grey arrow about half way down the pics on the right to see more! Happy shopping 💋

XOXO,

Not A Two

[affiliate links]

We'll do this together...

Hello all of you wonderful, beautiful ladies! What would normally be a grind of a Monday has turned into a really special day for me. I am totally writing this on my lunch hour at work because I couldn't wait to tell you my latest idea/plan. Seriously going to try not to get too long with this post but I am so overwhelmed and excited and a little nervous all at the same time, so apologies in advance if this post gets rambly. Maybe it's the disasters happening in the world right now, maybe it's the really good and motivating series of sermons that we've had at church lately, maybe it's that I recently met someone that reminded me of myself just a few years ago. Probably a mix of all of that really and so here's the thing--I have finally, at 42 years old, realized what I really want to be when I grow up ;)  Girls, I want to open a shelter for needy women and children. I've done the volunteer thing-- I've donated clothing, food, my time and money here and there and will continue to do so, but I want to do more. I'm starting the plans now and hope to make this really, for really really real, actually happen in about four, maybe five, years from now when my own son will be 18 or 19 years old and able to take care of himself (well, for the most part anyway haha). SO, I've got some time to save money like crazy and to learn everything that I can. I really don't know much about it but I will be doing tons of research and having as many conversations with people that do know for the next few years and Lord willing, I am determined to make this happen. I have been so fortunate in the last few years to be financially stable, but it has certainly not always been that way for me. There was a time, about eight years ago, that I made some terrible decisions that resulted in some very dark times including me not being able to pay the bills, included me and my 7 year old son eating as cheaply as possible-- lots and lots of pinto beans and water--and then almost being homeless. Horrible decisions that I'll save for another post but that I own 100% responsibility for and that I sure did pay the consequences for too. Had it not been for my Mom and my Step Dad (my Dad died in an accident when I was 8 years old) and my wonderful family helping us out, we would have been homeless, at least for a time, until I could get a job and support me and my son again. But think about how hard it is if you trust someone, let's just say maybe a spouse, to 100% or even 50% take care of you and your children, who then all of a sudden abuses you and you leave them, or they leave you, and now you have to possibly move and pay deposits, get a job and pay day care and pay for a car and gas and housing and food and medical bills and everything life throws at you and your children. Maybe your company closes down, or suffers lay offs to include you, or if you get a divorce, or one of you dies (sorry to be so blunt but not sure there is a soft way to say that--my Dad died when he was 40 years old, which left my Mom, me and my two little brothers--it happens) or just simply make some awful mistakes with money and don't have enough of an emergency fund yet? Not to mention natural disasters, or worse--man made disasters. It could happen to any of us. It happened to me not too long ago. Not all of that, but some of that happened to me as an adult about one year in to my first marriage (I'm in my second marriage now). Thankfully, by luck and learning the hard way, and by the grace of God and my family and hard work on my own part, things have turned around and we're doing just great now. 
Now, what I want to do is give back. There isn't a much better feeling than to be able to give to those that are truly in need. We could all fall on hard times and we could all need help sometimes. Just a few meals or a place to stay until we can get back on our feet can make all the difference in someone's life. For those of us that have excess--what we are called to do is to help out those in need. I am going to take that call. I am determined to do this shelter and your prayers are appreciated. 

So here's the really cool part that includes you: starting now, every cent that I earn from my blog, from my Facebook page, and from my Instagram will go into savings for my dream shelter. Every time that you click one of my links, or make a purchase using one of my links, a bit of your money will go to help out someone in need in the near future. It doesn't cost you a single penny more to use a blogger's links, just to be clear. It's a tiny commission that we get each time that you click a link or make a purchase, but it can add up quickly and that's what I'm hoping for! The goal is that by the year 2021, I will be opening up a shelter for needy women and children. I'll be saving and learning as much as I can in the meantime. If for some reason, I cannot make it happen, I will donate the money to a good shelter or charity.  
Speaking of the meantime, lunch break is over and I still have a really good day job that I need to support me and my son, so back to work for me. I still have to dress professionally at work and will still be sharing outfit ideas and sales alerts in my free time, just like usual, all along the way, but now any money that I earn from these pages will go into savings for the shelter. 
PS: If you can, go out and volunteer your time at a local charity or donate some money. Let's help each other out and this world will be a better place.

XOXO,

Not A Two

PSS: I'm working on changing the name of this blog to add something like "For Women and Children In Need" or something. Let me know if you have an idea for a phrase to add to the name of my pages to let everyone know what the real meaning behind this page now is 😊

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 

I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."  

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 

When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?

 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:35-40 NIV

Facebook: www.facebook.com/notatwo

Instagram: notatwo (Jen Gray)

The Great Big Bootie Review!!

I'm gearing up for Fall and Winter, okay AND Spring, so I've tried the ten booties pictured and a couple more 😊 Let's just get right down to business, starting with my favorites. I'm judging all of them based mostly on comfort and cuteness. I want to wear them to work, and they HAVE to be comfortable for my teaching job where I'm on my feet most of the day. 
If you want to skip all the commentary and just go straight to the links, skip all the way to the bottom of this post and they are all there in one spot. I won't blame you at all 😎 
If you want to hear my reviews of each, well grab your coffee, this is going to be a long post 😄--

Of all of the ones that I've tried, I am kicking myself for not keeping the one pictured below. 

It was THE most comfortable one out of the dozens that I've tried. I ordered it in the Taupe Oiled Suede during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and apparently I was suffering from temporary insanity because I sent it back thinking I might be able to do better. I was dead wrong. I'm reordering even though it's no longer on sale, but this time in Black because that's what I now need.  Feels like about a 2" heel, TTS and available here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fUj4  [affiliate link]


I did find a different, lighter taupe bootie that I like just as much with a low heel, pictured below.

It's hard to see in the pics, but they're perforated and super cute! Sooo comfy and that side slit makes them the CUTEST! They are a little darker than they look like they are on the store site!

Okay, that's it-these are my fav low heel bootie. They are Lucky Brand and available here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fUkI
and here: http://shopstyle.it/l/hHL8
Tee pictured--TTS, here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fUux 
Denim pictured--TTS, here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fUuB

[affiliate links]

On to my next fav, this new Sam Edelman with THOSE TIES and I am completely obsessed! They're the softest supple suede and when you see them in person they seriously look like a million dollars. They zip up the back so you don't have to mess with the ties more than once to get them right and then you can just use the zip in the back to get them on and off. Easy! Comfy and easy to walk in, TTS and in three colors here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fUqe   
and here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fUrK  [affiliate links]
The Stone Blue Suede is pictured below. I'd call it a medium grey with just a hint of blue. They. Are. Gorgeous. ALL of the colors are gorgeous. You know what? Let's just make these a tie for first place too 💗

Okay now on to the section that I call mislabeled shooties. They're cut low enough that I would not call them a bootie, even though that's what they are named on the store sites. When your entire ankle is showing, I call that a shootie. In any case, they're all comfy and cute. It's just a matter of what you're looking for. I am looking for booties, not shooties currently, so these all went back. 

Above are Franco Sarto. Great colors, comfy, great quality. These would be great for work if you need a black shootie, because the heel is the same color as the top which makes them look less casual and therefore perfect for work. Great for times that it's too cold for a flat or a pump, but a bootie seems like too much. TTS and available in two colors here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fUxF  [affiliate link]

Next is the Caslon pair--

Pictured above and below are the Caslon bootie (shootie really). These are crazy similar to the Franco Sarto ones. Comfy, cute, TTS. The only difference between these and the Franco Sarto ones are that the Caslon in Black have a light brown wood color heel and the Franco Sarto in Black have a black stained wood heel. Again, if you're shopping for a pair to wear to work and are good with a shootie, I'd recommend the France Sarto up above. Back to the Caslon though--they just don't look right with ankle denim, do they? But they'll look great with work pants or longer denim.

Caslon shootie here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fULq
Cardi, TTS, here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fUJ3
Black twist hem tee--size up if in between, here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fULg
[affiliate links]


Okay, back to actual booties! I've had these for awhile now and love them! The color is so good and so versatile! They do have a higher heel and I felt the need to add a memory foam insert, but they look and feel great if you're alright with a higher heel. 

These are Vince Camuto from last year, but still available at a crazy good price in brown and black, TTS, here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fUE1  [affiliate link]



What about when it rains? Do waterproof booties that are super cute really exist??

YES THEY DO!!!!  Suede is gorgeous but I won't wear them if the weather isn't completely dry. You can have it both ways with these 💓 They're comfy, they're cute, they're waterproof but look like regular gorgeous suede! Pictured above, TTS and available in four colors here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fUJd [affiliate link]



Next, a deep side slit and super comfy suede option--

So comfy and so cute! TTS and available in three colors for only $75 but going fast here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fUO3
[affiliate link]

And THEN...

I've always wanted a blush bootie and I've finally found a comfy one that isn't a small fortune! They are beautiful! The perfect shade of pink. Not too crazy pink, just a nice subtle but definite blush. 

Comfy and TTS and available in two more colors but going fast here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fULC
Top--so cute, very oversized. I sized down two sizes to a small. Such great colors here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fUMV
Denim here: http://shopstyle.it/l/fUM4 
[affiliate links]


Now for the great big NO. 

I'm still angry at these booties. I'm angry because they are so stinkin' super cute but I tried on my normal size and every size around it, and they either hurt or they slip around my heel so much that I couldn't do it. Boo. I know lots of other girls that have said the same, so please beware of these gorgeous but impossible booties: http://shopstyle.it/l/fUVd [affiliate link]

WHEW! Now off to enjoy the rest of the weekend! I hope to lay around as much as possible because life has been CRAZY lately 😜  Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

XOXO,

Not A Two