Whether you’re just looking forward to an extra day off work (that’s me) or planning a BBQ with friends and family, this holiday weekend wouldn’t be complete without some major sales. I’ve rounded up a list of some of the best sales taking place over the next few days in addition to some of my favorite markdown items. If I’ve missed any that you feel are worthy of attention, please share! Have a safe and wonderful weekend.

Oh, yeah, I’ve included the additional percentages off in the items pictured. The dollar amounts listed are the final sale prices. Little did you know, I’m very skilled with a calculator.

Madewell: Extra 20% off sale items + free shipping. Offer valid in both stores and online. Use code WEEKENDER. Ends May 28th.
Club Monaco: Extra 30% off sale items using code MAY12. Sales ends May 29th.
Gap: Up to 40% off online and in stores. Sale ends May 28th.
Banana Republic: 35% off entire purchase online and in stores. Use code BRSUMMER35. Sale ends May 28th.
Charles David: 40% off select styles only through this weekend.
Anthropologie: Semi-annual clearance sale online and in stores.
Macy’s: 2 day special sales event in stores and online. 10-15% select departments + free shipping. Use code MEMDAY.
Bloomingdale’s: 20-65% off online and in stores. Sale ends May 28th.
Neiman Marcus: Up to 40% off select regular priced items

Endless: Up to 50% off on select styles + free shipping. Sale ends May 28th.

J.Crew: Extra 30% off sale items. Online only using code LOVEIT.

Nordstrom: Half Yearly Sale for Women and Kids through June 3rd.

I believe that summer officially begins this weekend and a straw tote is a must-have bag for the season! I love its versatility. You can use it to run errands, take it to the beach, tote it to the farmer’s market, and even use it for a casual evening out. I have the J.Crew Farmer’s Market Tote (seen below), which I add a punch of color by tying on a small vintage scarf to one of the handles. I love adding a small neck or head scarf to a straw bag because it adds a whimsical touch to an otherwise basic tote. 

1/ Mar Y Sol Valencia Crocheted Carryall + Echo Feather Pow Wow Scarf
2/ Tory Burch Small Straw Square Tote + Echo Status Scrolls Scarf
3/ J.Crew Farmer’s Market Tote + Marc by Marc Jacobs Light Hearted Woven Scarf
4/ Nordstrom Under One Sky Oversize Straw Tote + J.Crew Silk Square
5/ Club Monaco Brigette Straw Bag + ModCloth Bow to Stern Scarf
6/ TopShop Large Straw Tote + Club Monaco Liana Headscarf

As summer quickly approaches, I’ve started to make subtle changes to my beauty routine. Lighter, breezier clothes call for lighter makeup, right? The heat and humidity can be a major challenge so I opt for products that provide great coverage and color as well as staying power. In the past I never swapped foundation for a tinted moisturizer because I just couldn’t find one that provided enough coverage; however, that all changed when I discovered Missha BB Cream. It provides optimal coverage, stays put all day, has a high SPF, and has even improved the clarity of my skin. Paired with an oil free primer I’m set to take on a hot summer day with no reservations.

Last week’s winner of the Zappos gift card was Emily from EverydayEmily. Be expecting an email from me, Emily! This week’s GivaMay is a $25 gift card to Gap, Inc., which can be used at Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, or Athleta. All you have to do is leave a comment on any post this week letting me know your favorite hairstyle for summer!   

1/ Nars Lipstick in Funny Face - Bold color for evenings out
2/ Revlon Lipstick in Persian Melon - Vibrant color for daytime
3/ Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer - Keeps my skin moisturized and my makeup in place
4/ Missha BB Cream - Provides great coverage while protecting and perfecting my skin
5/ Essie Nail Polish in Cute as a Button and Lapiz of Luxury - Fun shades for hands and feet
6/ Bare Minerals Tinted Mineral Veil - I use this mineral veil as a bronzer because it provides a matte, natural looking glow
7/ Nars Blush in Desire - This color may look frighteningly bright, but applied with a light hand it gives you the perfect flush

While planning a trip back to my hometown in Illinois next month, I came across a state charm necklace and realized it’s such a sweet way to pay homage to your birthplace. I have no intention of ever leaving California, but I will always have deep roots in my native state. As you know, I have a weakness for charm necklaces (evident here and here) and these are no exception. Worn alone or paired with a similarly sized charm, I think these necklaces are a wonderful conversation starter.

Don’t forget about this week’s GivaMay, a $25 gift card to Zappos! All you have to do is follow me on Pinterest (if you don’t already) and leave a comment on any post letting me know your favorite warm weather dessert.

1/ James and Lily Ohio Pendant
2/ Maya Brenner California State Charm Necklace
3/ Nashelle Texas State Charm Necklace
4/ Uncommon Good Custom State Necklaces
5 / Maya Brenner New York State Charm Necklace
6/ January Girl Jewelry State Charm Necklace 
7/ Saylor Rose Tiny State Necklace Charms
8/ Kris Nations Georgia Pendant Necklace
9/ Maya Brenner Illinois Necklace

From Top to Bottom: Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer / Marc by Marc Jacobs Metal Wayfarer
Tom’s Bamako Sunglasses / Xhilaration Sunglasses

Next to handbags, sunglasses are my second favorite year-round accessory. I diligently ‘collect’ them in all different shapes and sizes. It’s actually become a joke between my mom and sister that if they ever lose me in a department store, they can always locate me at the sunglasses counter, where I tirelessly try on shade after shade as if I’m in dire need of a new pair. Despite having light-sensitive eyes, I still choose my sunglass frames based on how well they complement my facial structure and how well they play up my outfits. Though I’ve been sporting my aviators on a fairly regular basis, I still switch up the shape from time to time depending on my mood and what I’m wearing. These four iconic women (Isabella Rossellini, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis) have made indelible marks on the fashion world, and these sunglass shapes have endured the test of time. Whether it’s the summer of 1950 or 2012, these shapes will always keep you looking classy and chic.

P.S. Have you ever mistakenly picked up another customer’s sunglasses (that they own) at a sunglass counter and tried them on? I’ve done this more than once. Feel free to make me feel better by telling me you’ve had the same experience.

From Top to Bottom: Olsenboye Cat Eye Wayfarer / House of Harlow 1960 Chelsea Elizabeth and James Lafayette

From Top to Bottom: Asos Jeepers Peepers Audrey / House of Harlow 1960 Rachel
Oliver Goldsmith Audrey

From Top to Bottom: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Classic Square Sunglasses
Nina Ricci Jackie O Sunglasses / House of Harlow 1960 Paula
Balenciaga Oversized Square Sunglasses