Black Friday Favorites: Fashion Edition

Published on November 23, 2018 by Claire RenéLeave a comment

Hey friends!!

I thought I’d throw together a quick little guide to Black Friday from all the stores I love and post about constantly!!

Most of my wardrobe are from these 3 stores, and they’re having amazing sales today!

Target

Target’s sales differ across the website, but they’re all great!!

Women’s sweaters are starting as low as $10! This mustard sweater is only $10 and is available in other colors as well!

All their Christmas PJ’S are on sale for the whole family! My Santa Hat PJ’s are only $5 today!!

I get a TON of my boots and booties from Target, and these Black Chelsea Boots are only $15!

Plus, when you spend $50 today you’ll get 20% off coupon by email good to use on your next purchase! (11/27-12/8)

https://www.target.com

Boohoo

Boohoo’s sale is unreal!! 60% off SITEWIDE!!!

They have some of my favorite jeans ever!! I wear my Light Wash High Waisted Mom Jeans ALL THE TIME! They’re real denim, so they have some weight to them, and the high-waist is perfect!! Today they’re only $14.40!

Another pair I love are my true blue Straight Leg Jeans! I love the cropped fit, and they’re a staple to have in your closet if you’re into that retro vibe! Today they’re only $20!

I get a lot of my fun, printed trousers from Boohoo that you all seem to love!! Both of these pairs are $20 and under!

Woven Tartan Wide Leg Trousers

Woven Check Print Tapered Trouser

Perfect for Christmas!

Boohoo has some of the most unique boots and booties, and they’re all so affordable!!! I am adding these Red Patent Leather Chelsea Boots to my Christmas list!!! ❤ AND they’re only $17.60 today!!

https://us.boohoo.co m

Forever 21

Forever 21 is doing 30% off site wide today + free shipping, with the code: BLKFRI30!

If you know me then you know I get the majority of my closet from Forever 21! 🙂

First of all, this Multicolor Cardigan is the coolest thing i’ve ever seen! For sure adding that to my wishlist!

The whole world asks me on Instagram almost everyday where my sherpa lined jean jacket is from, and I got mine from TJ Maxx, so it doesn’t exist anymore, and I can’t link it for you! BUT this Quilted-Lined Jean Jacket from F21 is IDENTICAL!!

Oh HI!! I love blazers, overcoats, and all things plaid, so this Tweed Glen Plaid Coat has my name written all over it, and today you can get it for a steal!!

I have been loving the fringe cardigan trend we’ve been seeing lately, and this one from F21 is beautiful!!

I just loved this Mock Neck Sweater the second I saw it! So elegant and classy, and a staple for your closet!

https://www.forever21.com/us/shop

Some of my other favorite stores!

http://us.topshop.com – up to 50% off

https://www.asos.com – 20% off with code: HELLO20

https://www.urbanoutfitters.com – Mix & match any items, BOGO 50%

Cozy Gift Guide with Sweet Olive & Co.

Published on November 22, 2018November 23, 2018 by Claire RenéLeave a comment

Hi sweet friends!

Welcome back!! And Happy Thanksgiving!

Today’s post is super exciting!! We’re talkin’ a collaboration with Sweet Olive & Co. Boutique!

Sweet Olive is the one-stop-shop for all your holiday shopping and gifting for all the amazing women in your life! They literally have everything. From home decor, to the coziest beanies, they have it all.

If you aren’t familiar with Sweet Olive Boutique, they’re a trendy, women’s clothing boutique with 4 locations across Indy: Greenwood, Franklin, Plainfield, and Noblesville. They carry sizes small-3X, and they have an online inventory with free U.S. shipping!

If you’re anything like me, or you know someone like me, and love all things cozy and warm, then this is the gift guide for you.

Cozy Gift Ideas!

Gift ideas for the girl who’s always cold, for the boss babe who works from home in her PJ’s (aka the homebody aka me), or for anyone who just likes really soft, cozy things and a good cup of coffee!

The Ultimate Pullover

Oh hi, perfect! Is this not the perfect pullover? The “Country Hayride Pullover” in camel is not only the cutest pullover I’ve seen to date, but also the comfiest I’ve ever felt. I wish you could feel how soft this is through the screen. I haven’t taken it off since the day I bought it. Yes, I bought it for someone else. And yes, I do have to go back to Sweet Olive to get another one for them because this one is now mine. It’s that good.

Can’t Go Wrong with a Christmas Graphic

Okay I know what you’re thinking. Not cozy, not warm, why is this in my gift guide? Well, coffee, duh! Nothing warms my heart more than coffee & Christmas cheer! (It’ll all come full circle soon! ;)) I think this “Christmas Cheer Top” is the perfect tee to throw on under the pullover, so not only are you warmer because of an added layer, but you’re also super festive just in case! You never know.

The Best Leggings

Every girl can always use a really great pair of leggings, for warmth and for functionality. Or for your pants of choice M-F. (Shhh I won’t tell!) And these, my friends, are a really great pair of leggings. Sweet Olive’s “Classic Premium Leggings” are not see through, they’re seamless, and they’re just really good. They hold up really well, and they’re not super thin! And also now we have a whole outfit, which is always nice.

Go-To Warm Scarf

Seriously? It doesn’t get better than this scarf. Well, actually I can name a few things that are better. Like Disney World and Golden Doodles. But that’s pretty much it.

Let’s just start from the top.

The color, stunning. The texture, so good! The style, dead. The ability to keep you warm? Unreal. This scarf is SO warm!

Sweet Olive carries a few color options in this style of scarf! Unfortunately, this exact one isn’t available online, but I would check in-stores!! Here are a few good scarf options that they do have online! I feel like every woman loves receiving winter staples like scarves or beanies for Christmas, so you can’t really go wrong here!

A Sweet Olive Gift Box!

And last, but certainly not least, we have this super unique gift option: The Sweet Olive Gift Boxes! These are available in stores and are customizable! Each box comes with a bath bomb and a Signature C.C Beanie (you decide the color of the beanie), and the 3rd item is up to you between a mug, a wine glass, a candle, or a gift card! And guess what? It’s a $45 value for only $30!! And it’s the cutest, so it’s a win-win for everyone!!

I chose a mug for mine that reads, “She believed she could, but she was really tired so she didn’t!” Literally me. Lol. Sweet Olive has some super punny and goofy mugs and wine glasses! The perfect addition to any gift! (See, I told you we’d make it back to coffee!! I always do. ;))

The Signature C.C Beanies are my favorite!! I’m not much of a beanie wearer, but these fit so well, and they’re super warm! And they come in a billion colors!!

I hope I’ve inspired some gift ideas for you for that someone in your life who’s maybe always cold, or who you constantly hear say, “OH MY GOSH IT’S SOOO SOFT!!” or who’s idea of a wild night is a cozy night in, by the fire, with a cup of coffee! If you’re curious, all of those things are me. Lol.

Sweet Olive has a super awesome Black Friday deal going on now: THANKFUL4U30 for 30% off site-wide and in-store!! (A Cyber Monday deal headed your way very soon; I will update you, don’t worry!) But on any other day of the year you can use the code: CLAIRERENE15 for 15% off your purchase!

Follow Sweet Olive on Instagram!

Thank you so much for stopping by & Happy Gifting!

xx Claire

This post is sponsored by Sweet Olive & Co. Boutique.

Welcome to Indy, Macaron Bar!

Published on November 14, 2018November 15, 2018 by Claire RenéLeave a comment

Hi friends!

I am so excited to let you guys know the Macaron Bar in Indianapolis on Mass. Ave is officially open and taking over the world. Well, my world. Lol.

If you don’t know, the Macaron Bar is basically the coolest place ever. They specialize in making and selling classic French macarons (that’s only one ‘O’) and they’re the only bakery dedicated to macarons in Cincinnati, Pittsburg, Louisville, and now Indy! They offer over 10+ flavors daily and have seasonal flavors added in as well. They also offer classes so that you can learn their techniques and tricks and make them at home. And trust me, you’ll need all the tips and tricks you can get. These guys are hard to perfect. I’m still very far off from perfecting mine, but attending the event at the Macaron Bar last week with the ladies of the Indy Blog Society sure did help.

The Macaron Bar started in 2014 in Cincinnati, and has expanded into 3 more cities in the last 4 years. Cincinnati native Nathan Sivitz, our instructor for the evening, helped launch the brand in 2014 and even took a macaron master class in Paris, France. So basically he knows what he’s doing.

Nathan walked us through the basics and the process of creating the traditional, French macaron. I was like a little kid in a candy shop. If you didn’t know, I have loved to bake and cook my whole life, and the only channel I watch on TV is the Food Network. Every since I was a little girl, I wanted to open my own pastry shop and use the word “eclair” only spelled “Eclaire” somewhere in the title. I have always wanted to be on some form of competition show on the Food Network. So basically standing in the kitchen, watching him whip up some macarons, felt like I was on “The Holiday Baking Championship”, and everything was okay in the world.

The basics of a French macaron are: powdered sugar, almond flour, room temperature egg whites, and granulated sugar. Fun fact: they do not flavor the cookies themselves, they only flavor the filling! Each macaron has the same cookie, with a different color added, and a different flavored filling.

If you add flavorings to the cookie itself, you risk messing up the consistency and texture. If you add the wrong kind of food dye (liquid) you can also mess up the cookie.

Sift. Whip. Fold. Cut. Scoop. Turn. Fill. Pipe. Drop. Set. Bake. Got all that?

Like I said, these little guys are challenging to make, but well worth the perseverance and endurance. Not sure what any of what I just said means? Perfect! You’re the perfect candidate to attend one of their unique classes!

They offer classes for anyone at any stage in the baking process! If you’re brand new to the world of macarons, they have a class for you! If you’re more advanced or need some decorating guidance, they have a class for you! If you have a child who loves to bake, they have a class for them!

If you’re interested in attending a class, book HERE!

I got to try my hand at a few of the steps along the way during our event, and I can tell you that I will definitely be back to further my knowledge of the French macaron, as well as perfect my technique! Even though, my fiancé will still eat them despite their density, texture, and cracks! Lol.

If eating is more your speed, the Macaron Bar Indy is located at 425 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN, 46204, open:

Monday – Thursday: 12 pm – 9 pm
Friday: 11 am – 10 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 10 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 8 pm

Be sure to check them out on Instagram for local updates and seasonal flavor additions: Macaron Bar on Instagram and like them on Facebook!

Thanks so much for stopping by! And thank you to the Macaron Bar for having me!

Your Bridal One-Stop-Shop | Olive + Pepper

Published on July 23, 2018July 24, 2018 by Claire RenéLeave a comment

Hi sweet people!

Today’s post is so exciting, and I’ll give you a hint… think bridal! 😉

As many of you may know, I got engaged in January 2018, and we are getting married Summer 2019! Half a year has flown by, and we are now less than a year away from the big day!

I guess it’s time for me to start thinking about engagement photos, parties, showers, events, etc. And the most important question that arises with all of those things is… WHAT WILL I WEAR?! Lol.

I’ve got you covered, well, Olive + Pepper has you covered.

Working with Olive + Pepper was, hands down, one of my favorite collaborations I have ever done, so I was SO excited to team up with them for some bridal looks!

Olive + Pepper has a unique style and flair about them, with a little bit of a retro, glam feel. They are totally my style!

They also have a neat little section on their website for all things wedding; The Wedding Shop! ❤

Not only do they have so many white options for us brides, but they have amazing options for your gal pals in your bridal party, dress options for your mama, accessories galore, and don’t forget the handbag, girlfriend!

wedding_74872d53-ce96-4f8d-8942-73d63de6f537_1024x1024

This is the Femma Lace Midi Dress, and I don’t think it could be more perfect or more bridal!

The intricate details and the stunning lace make this dress a showstopper! Every part of this dress is so feminine, down to the button closure. I am in love with this!

The Femme lace midi would be the perfect dress for your engagement photos, your bridal shower, your rehearsal dinner, your honeymoon, and even for you more non-traditional brides out there, who want something a little more YOU for your big day!

Don’t feel like there’s a certain “look” you have to have to be considered “bridal”; wear what you want to! I honestly have thought about wearing this as my wedding dress, but now my whole world has seen it.. so maybe not. Lol. But if I hadn’t shot it, wrote about it, and shown my fiancé, it would’ve been a contender! haha

My sunnies & my bag are also from Olive + Pepper, they have the cutest accessories!

Shop my sunnies: Audrey Cat Eye Sunnies

Shop my handbag: White Day Clutch

This. Dress.

Obsessed.

The Audriana Mermaid Floral Dress is all things glamorous, classy, and fun. I seriously have never seen a dress so unique.

This is the perfect dress for a bridal shower, for your bachelorette party/weekend, for a bridal brunch with the gals, a fancy dinner on your honeymoon, and let’s be honest, it’s even perfect for a girl’s night in with face masks, snacks, and a movie! Lol (Me)

I’m in love with the “Old Hollywood” vibes this dress gives off, and the shape is to die for! And hey, if this is your style, rock it down the aisle too!!

To top off the “Old Hollywood” vibes, I threw on some heart sunnies and laughed my way down the steps!! HAHA

Shop my heart sunnies here: Heart Sunnies

Below are some other perfect options for all your bridal activities, all from Olive + Pepper!! ❤

Click the caption of photo below to shop!

Untitled design-3.jpg — https://oliveandpepper.com/collections/bride-1

BRIDAL PARTY

So like I’ve already mentioned, they not only have perfect white dresses for all things bridal, but they also have some great options for your bridesmaids, your mom, and even just for those attending the wedding!

Click the caption of photo below to shop!

https://oliveandpepper.com/collections/wedding-guest

ACCESSORIZE, BABY!

We can’t forget the accessories!

Whether you want a fun pop of color for yourself on your big day, you want to gift your besties a pair for the wedding, or you just need to amp up your bridal shower look, Olive + Pepper has so many amazing, affordable options for you!

Click the caption of photo below to shop!

Add a pop of color with your earrings! — https://oliveandpepper.com/collections/jewelry

Copy of Add a pop of color with your earrings!.jpg — https://oliveandpepper.com/collections/bags

So basically what you’re finding out is this…

Olive + Pepper is your online, One-Stop-Shop for you and your bridal party when it comes to being fashion icons for all wedding festivities.
Olive + Pepper has the most beautiful, unique designs.
You won’t find an item over $100 on Olive + Pepper… oh, and did I mention shipping is always free?

HAPPY SHOPPING! ❤

Oh, and one last thing… a little icing on the cake, perhaps? (Wedding puns)

!!! WE’RE DOING A GIVEAWAY FOR FUTURE BRIDES !!!

You must…

Follow me @claire_rene_ (https://www.instagram.com/claire_rene_/) & @shopoliveandpepper (https://www.instagram.com/shopoliveandpepper/) on Instagram,
Like this post on my Insta –>
Tag 2 friends in a comment AND your future wedding date + 1 thing you’re looking forward to about your big day!
For a *BONUS* entry, screenshot my instagram post and share to your story tagging both me @claire_rene_ & @shopoliveandpepper and the hashtag #OPWeddingShop ❤

Good luck! 🙂

This post is in collaboration with Olive + Pepper

Jumpsuits & Jesus | Daisy Shoppe

Published on May 30, 2018May 30, 2018 by Claire RenéLeave a comment

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s post is in collaboration with Daisy Shoppe! Daisy Shoppe is located in California with multiple locations, and they actually have been around for quite some time! They celebrated their 50th anniversary in June of 2016! How cool is that?

They pride themselves in providing “cute and happy clothes,” and gifts for the everyday girl! Not only do they carry clothing and accessories, but they also carry home goods and little trinkets. So fun!

Not only that, but they also carry faith-based journals, devotionals, and adorable little Bibles.

Basically, they’re a one-stop-shop and every girl’s dream!

This Palm Printed jumpsuit is so fun & perfect for summer! It’s also available in black.

It’s one of those unique jumpsuits, with the leg slits, so it’s basically like you’re wearing a romper!! That style is perfect for super hot, summer days! And the fabric of this jumpsuit is super lightweight and very breathable!

I’m wearing a size XS, and I’m 5’1 for reference. I paired this beauty with some heels, as it was a little long on your girl, but hey, what isn’t?!

My tassel earrings and belt are both from Target, and were super on sale and are super old. Sorry girl!

So like I mentioned earlier, they also carry little knickknacks, home goods, and faith-based books and journals.

This little Devotional Bible for Women is also from Daisy Shoppe, and it’s amazing, and also the cutest!

As many of you may know, I am a Christian, and as a Christ follower it is vital that we get into the word every single day so that we may grow on our walk with the Lord.

I know at times it is so tough to either find the time or just the motivation to do it. I also know that making it a part of your daily routine is challenging. Been there. Done that. Got the t-shirt.

Okay, I haven’t just “been there”… it’s a reoccurring theme sometimes in my life. We get so distracted by all of the hustle and bustle of this life, making plans, working hard, going, going, going, and sometimes we leave the Lord right out of it all.

It’s ironic though because without Him, we’d be nothing, have nothing, and could do nothing. But we’re humans, and we make mistakes (boy, do we make mistakes), but the grace of our Lord is sufficient and ever-present, and all He wants from us is to get back up, keep trying, and to keep pursuing Him.

This devotional book has helped me so much! There’s just something about holding a tangible book, rather than just scrolling through a Bible app. I have more motivation to pick up a book than to just open up another app. I feel more connected and like what I’m doing is important, because now it’s separate from all the other things I already do on my phone. Do you get what I’m saying?

It’s also a beautiful book just to look at, so sometimes it catches my eye, and I’m like, “Hey!” so I sit back down with it and go through it, if I maybe forgot to that morning, because again, “life happens,” even though life can’t happen without Him.. but you get the point. Lol.

This Devotional for Women is split up into daily readings, each reading coincides with the date! Each day is filled with verses plus a small application paragraph at the end! I love it!

Thank you so much for stopping by!

xx Claire

My FIRST Blowout at the Brand New FIRST Drybar in Indianapolis | Grand Opening Launch Party + The Experience

Published on May 30, 2018May 30, 2018 by Claire RenéLeave a comment

Hi beautiful people!

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the launch party for the 1st ever Drybar Blowout Salon in Indianapolis! It’s located near the Keystone Fashion Mall, at 8691 River Crossing Blvd.

I was ecstatic when I got the invite. I had never been to a Drybar before, but had heard all the hype and hoped that one day I would be able to go. And when I heard we were finally getting one, I was over the moon.

The party was so fun, and so cute! The interior design of this place is perfection. The accents of yellow (my fave color) throughout are just too pretty! And don’t worry, they have perfect selfie mirrors! 😉

So a little background about Drybar.. They are a blowout salon ONLY. No cuts. No Color. Just Blowouts. How fun is that?

It’s the perfect place for you and a couple girlfriends to go and get a little pampered! It’s also perfect for bridal parties, whether it’s the big day or it’s just a fun activity for your bachelorette weekend!

Here’s a little glimpse of the party! So many yummy treats, and so many lovely Indy bloggers, influencers, and entrepreneurs.

They actually asked me back the next day for a blowout! ARE YOU SERIOUS? SO FUN!!! To say I was excited would be quite the understatement.

To see the entire experience, watch the video at the very beginning 🙂

First you pick your style…

I went with the Mai Tai, which are beachy, messy waves!

Then you head to the wash room…

aka what dreams are made of.

Then comes the blowout and the style of your choice…

And TA-DAH, you feel like a way more glamorous version of yourself!

And the entire experience only costs $45!!!

At the Drybar Indy location, the entire staff was so amazing!

They were so kind and inviting, and made sure to meet your every need!! You can even have a mimosa while you sit back, relax, and get your hair done!

My stylist was Sarah, and she absolutely killed it! She was also just the sweetest!!

Now let’s not forget about their AMAZING products!!

I have been using their Triple Sec and their Detox Dry Shampoo for a few years now, and they’re incredible! Sarah used the Southern Belle Volume Boosting Mouse, Prep Rally, The Chaser, and Sparkling Soda on me, and I LOVED the way my hair felt, looked, and smelled!

For my beachy waves, she’s used the 1″ 3-Day-Bender, which I of course left the salon with because I wasn’t about to go back to my old ways of curling once i saw those curls! haha

To book your appointment at the Drybar Indianapolis location, click HERE!

So since this was my first blowout ever, and my first time at a Dryabr salon, you’re probably wondering what the verdict is?

Well…

I’m hooked! 🙂

Thanks for stopping by!

xx Claire

Oh, and one last thing!

“This post is not sponsored, but is in Collaboration with Drybar Indianapolis. I did receive the blowout as a complimentary service, but all opinions are my own, and I purchased the curling iron myself!*

Surprising My Fiancé! | Valentine’s Vlog

Published on February 21, 2018February 21, 2018 by Claire RenéLeave a comment

Target

Boohoo

Forever 21

Some of my other favorite stores!

Cozy Gift Ideas!

The Ultimate Pullover

Can’t Go Wrong with a Christmas Graphic

The Best Leggings

Go-To Warm Scarf

A Sweet Olive Gift Box!

BRIDAL PARTY

ACCESSORIZE, BABY!

!!! WE’RE DOING A GIVEAWAY FOR FUTURE BRIDES !!!

*This post is in collaboration with Olive + Pepper*

First you pick your style…

Then you head to the wash room…

Then comes the blowout and the style of your choice…

And TA-DAH, you feel like a way more glamorous version of yourself!

To book your appointment at the Drybar Indianapolis location, click HERE!

“This post is not sponsored, but is in Collaboration with Drybar Indianapolis. I did receive the blowout as a complimentary service, but all opinions are my own, and I purchased the curling iron myself!*

This post is in collaboration with Olive + Pepper