- 4th of July Graphics, Sweatshirts, Dresses, Swimwear, Accessories and More!
Hey, pretty girl!
I know when I posted a poll on my Instagram a few weeks ago that some of y’all wanted to buy outfits for the Fourth of July so this one is for you! I will be sharing a post in the next week or two on how to style pieces you already own!
Graphics Tees Guaranteed by the 4th – 20% off with SUMMER20
Sweatshirts Guaranteed by the 4th – 20% off with SUMMER20
Dresses/Rompers/Dressy Top – 20% off with SUMMER20
Swimwear – prices as low as $10.99!!!
Accessories
Blush Mark – 15% off with BLUSHMARIN15
With Love, Marin
- Game Day/Going Out/Darty Try-On Deets
Hey, pretty girl!!
When it comes to fall there is a chance that all sorts of going out and game days will be cancelled….but just in case they aren’t I tagged everything from my Instagram try-on below.
Please use this link to get to the items I tagged on LIKEtoKNOWIt.
Gameday Outfit 1
White Cami Crop (LIKEtoKNOWIt), Purple Wrap Skirt, White Espadrilles (LIKEtoKNOWIt)
Gameday Outfit 2
Purple Skirt/Crop Set, Jean Jacket (LIKEtoKNOWIt), Sunglasses, Black Heels (LIKEtoKNOWIt)
Gameday Outfit 3
Purple Long Sleeve Crop, White Denim Skirt (LIKEtoKNOWIt), Clear Purse (LIKEtoKNOWIt), White Boots(Sold Out)
Party Outfit 1
White Bodysuit, Jeans(Rent the Runway), Belt Bag (LIKEtoKNOWIt), White Heels(Sold Out)
Party Outfit 2
Leopard Crop Top, Leather Skirt, Black Heels (LIKEtoKNOWIt)
- Easter Outfits
Hey, pretty girl!
I know we’re probably still going to be stuck inside for Easter, but if you want to put yourself in the mood for the holiday anyways, I compiled a list of cute outfits!
Casual
Dressy
Hope y’all are staying healthy!
With Love, Marin
- Rent the Runway
Hey, pretty girl!
I have a shopping problem…a huge one. I like to buy new things but once the “newness” wears off, I’m ready to purchase something else. This started to become a tad problematic for my bank account, so I decided to try out Rent the Runway.
With the “one swap” subscription, originally $89/month, plus the discount from the UNiDAYS app, it only costs approximately $67 a month to rent four items. At the price I typically buy clothes, this saves me about $100 per month! It’s also more eco-friendly to rent clothes (clothes are the #2 polluter after oil!!!)
In my Instagram post today, I am showcasing two of the items I have this month! I am wearing the BlankNYC Bowery Skinny Jeans (which I plan on purchasing because they fit way too good to give them up) and the Slate & Willow Red Leather Moto Jacket.
I will be showing y’all my other two rentals late this week or into next week! Hope everyone is staying healthy and at home!
With Love, Marin
- In Between
Hey, pretty girl!
This one is going to be a quick post! Wanted to share a causal but feminine look for Valentine’s Day & a song I’m lovin’ right now that was the inspiration for my IG post today!
Sweater : This sweater is from my favorite store, Red Dress Boutique. This sweater is casual but has a feminine feel to it w/the see through holes and frill! Unfortunately, it is sold out right now. However, if you add your email to the list you will be notified when it restocks!
Jeans : These are the BEST jeans y’all. Especially for my fellow not thick, thick girls. It hugs your curves in all the right places and fits like a glove! I got a size 26 for reference.
Purse : This purse adds a pop of pink for a cute & simple Valentine’s Day look. This would look adorable for a night out with your girls or a date with your man!
Boots : Sorels are my go-to when it comes to boots! Not only do they incorporate heels into a boot design, but they are SO comfy. They are on the spendy side but totally worth the price.
Hairband : This hairband takes me back to when I was a little girl. Sometimes it’s fun just to throw a lil innocence into your adult look!
When wearing this hairband I immediately thought of a Kelsea Ballerini song and knew I needed to use it as my caption: In Between.
The lyrics of this song are so relatable for us first year college students! We are in this in between phase that can be so complicated to navigate it at times. Give the song a listen to for me!
With Love, Marin
- Target Giveaway 12/18
Hey, pretty girl!
I am super excited to announce that I am part of a HUGE giveaway for the holiday season. For details on how to enter you can go to my Instagram (@marinbennerotte) or I posted the information below!
I teamed up with @Bloggerlove_giveaways to gift one lucky winner a $500 Target gift card!! It only takes 30 seconds to enter! Here’s how:
1️⃣G O to @Bloggerlove_giveaways on Instagram and follow them
2️⃣L I K E the gift post!
3️⃣F O L L O W all the accounts @Bloggerlove_giveaways is following!
➕Each friend tagged in their post comments is another entry➕
✨B O N U S share this gift on your Instagram and tag @Bloggerlove_giveaways to DOUBLE your entries ✨
❤️DOUBLE BONUS- Follow all the girls on LIKEtoKNOW.it app using the link in our bio!Promotion closes Wednesday December 25th at 8PM EST. Winner chosen at random, notified via tag, and required to email or direct message within 24 hours to claim prize. This giveaway is not affiliated with Target or Instagram.
Good luck to everyone entering!
With Love, Marin
- 2 Ways to Wear a Leather Skirt
Look 1
Sweater (sold out right now – add your email to the restock list) (runs big – size XS)
Leather Skirt (TTS – Size S)
Bralette (TTS – Size S)
Boots (TTS)
Look 2
“Just a Small Town Girl” Tee (Size up if you want to tie it)
Leather Skirt (TTS – Size S)
Boots (TTS)
With Love, Marin
- Three Outfits for your GNO
Hey, pretty girl!
College tends to mean lots and lot of GNO’s at restaurants, the club or wandering your new city. Take on these events in something I would wear!
From Dinner to Clubbing
Fall Look
Splurge Piece
With Love, Marin
- Halloweekend Episode 1 : TV/Movie Character Costumes
Riverdale
If you’re looking for couples costumes, trendy costumes or something that generally fits your overall style – Riverdale is your best bet. These costumes can range from classy to sassy to flashy.
Veronica Lodge : Simple black dress, pearl necklace, black heels, dark eye makeup, curled hair.
Betty Cooper : Sweater, jeans, flats/booties/sneakers, soft makeup, pony tail.
Cheryl Blossom : Red dress, choker, red lipstick, curled hair.
Jughead Jones : Black tee, black jeans, flannel for waist, jean jacket, beanie.
Archie Andrews : White tee, jeans, letterman jacket.
Gossip Girl
With the reboot recently announced a few months ago, this is a perfect throwback costume to reminisce our old favorite characters and celebrate the new ones to come.
Blair Waldorf : White dress top, black skirt, high socks, flats, headband
Chuck Bass : Full suit, dress shoes.
Dan Humphrey : Kackis, dress shirt/casual polo, jacket over the top.
Clueless
Currently there is a major throwback to 90’s clothing. This is the perfect way to incorporate trendy clothing with a costume.
Cher : Plaid Dress or Skirt/Blazer Set (Check Forever 21 and Target)
Mean Girls
This movie is basically a classic, and is perfect if you want a group costume for you and your new college besties! There are two ways you can use this movie for costumes.
Talent Show Costume : Need a group of 4 for this one. Y’all all know the costume. To simplify it : red dress, knee high black boots, black ribbon for belt, black gloves.
On Wednesdays We Wear Pink : Need a group of 3 (or 4) for this one. Decorate yourself a burn book and mix-match different color pinks with whites.
With Love, Marin
- Local Boutique-ing
Hey, pretty girl!
Recently I’ve been on a boutique binge – mostly because I hate having the exact same clothes as a million other girls. Plus, shopping at local boutiques is not only fun, but you’re supporting a local business.
Rosemount
- A Bushel and a Peck
- About
- This store is a hidden gem! Along the downtown Rosemount strip, you can easily mistake this boutique for a classic home. The set-up of the store is open, light and features two levels. The upper level is clothing, accessorizes, bathroom scented items and shoes. The lower level consists of home decor.
- Finds
- Tanks
- Cheetah Print
- Red/White
- Jeans
- Flare
- White
- Tanks
- About
Waconia
- The Stash
- About
- This store is more of the classic boutique – a little on the smaller side but full of amazing finds. My favorite sections of their store was their wooden signs with sayings and necklaces. A lot of them contained empowering or funny sayings that would be perfect for any style.
- Finds
- Necklace
- About
- Shop Chicks
- About
- Shop Chicks is a spin-off of “A Bushel and a Peck.” This store had a very similar feel, but was a tad smaller. I found it much easier to find casual wear and home decor that appealed to a college level girl as opposed to their sister-store.
- Finds
- Sign
- T-Shirt
- About
With Love, Marin
- A Bushel and a Peck
- Transitioning to Fall
Hey, pretty girl!
When it comes to September, it can be tricky to figure out which season you are in. It’s 85 and sunny one day… and 45 and cloudy the next. With cold lecture halls and hot dorm rooms, what is the best way to transition to fall.
1. Jean Jackets
Jean jackets have a fall and spring vibe to them. They work perfect if you’re wearing white bottoms, a dress, a romper or a jumpsuit. While I personally am not a fan of denim on denim, if you can pull it off, it’s a statement.
If it’s a hotter day and you’re attending class in cold classroom settings, tying the jean jacket around your waist is the best idea. If you get hot while outside, it’s just a fashion accessory. However, in the classroom, you can use it to keep warm.
My Favorite Jean Jacket
2. Neutral and Dark Colors
With the vibrant colors of fall as leaves begin to change on the trees, neutral and dark burgundy colors are the way to go. Not only will these pieces be easy to mix-and-match in the future, but they keep you in style with whatever environment you’re in.
3. Cardigans
Layering is the key to fall, and cardigans are the coziest way to do this. Stripes and neutral tones can turn your cardigans into a fall statement piece, while grey and cream tones, specifically, can also be used into the winter months.
Cardigans are also basically a blanket that you wear, so there is no going wrong with that 🙂
With Love, Marin
- Homecoming Overalls
Hey, pretty girl!
One of the most fun parts of senior year is Homecoming! It’s your last “causal” school dance, last big football game and one of your last chances to go crazy with school spirit.
Last year, the Eagan Football Team had the opportunity to play the homecoming game at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Upon hearing this, I knew I had to go all out. Not only was it my final homecoming game as an Eagan High School student, it was at a very nice field location (perfect for picture taking!!)
I’ll be honest, these overalls took me approximately two weeks of work to make. Making homemade stencils for logos and lettering that I liked was probably what took the longer. And, if you want multiple colors and layers of paint, it takes a while to let things dry.
Things you’ll need:
- Overalls (I bought mine big so they’d fit comfortably – paint makes them feel tighter)
- DecoArt Dazzing Metallic/Acrylic Paint
- Tack (for handmade stencils)
- Printer (for handmade stencils)
- Stencils (if you opt to purchase them)
- Painter’s Tape
- Variety of Painting Brush Sizes
- Cups for Paint
- Sparkles (if you want to give the paint more of a glittery look)
- Jewels (I bought mine from Michael’s)
- E6000 Glue (for placing jewels)
From here, most of the decisions are up to you. Things that I did to my overalls was…
- Make Hand-Made stencils by using printer paper and a tack. I then taped down the letters/shapes to paint.
- To get the striped effect, I used painter’s tape to make sure I got clean lines.
- I put jewels on every button to help make my overalls stand out a little bit more, because the buttons were a bit bland to begin with.
The biggest thing to note is that you should NOT WASH YOUR OVERALLS after designing them. It will wreck them. Otherwise, the decisions are up to you.
With Love, Marin
- Wearing Up Your White
Hey, pretty girl!
We can thank the high end society of the 1890’s and early 1900’s for the rule on wearing white: you can wear white from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Not outside that, never outside that, big fashion no-no.
This was a rule to help distinguish the haves, from the have-nots. Yet, it seems like some people still follow this rule that was created by a bunch of snobby millionaires over a century ago.
Do I follow this rule? Not really, to be honest. Mostly because I LOVE THE COLOR WHITE. It’s a perfect tone for fair-skinned, redheads. However, if you do follow this fashion rule I decided the best ways for you to quickly wear up your white this Labor Day weekend with 3 outfits.
White Dress
White Jeans + a Tank
White Tee + Jeans
Have a great Labor Day weekend and enjoy this time with your family and friends! For me, it’s off to welcome week activities! I’ll give y’all a post and update on that soon!
With Love, Marin
- Top 3 Fall Leopard Print Pieces
Hey, pretty girl!
Animal print has been a major trend this last year. While snake skin has started to slither into this year’s trend, I still have heart eyes for leopard print!
Hellooooo new fall party bodysuit! This versatile piece would look a-maz-ing with a black skirt, jeans or all by itself (just kidding, please wear pants)!! AND this piece is an easy way to turn a halloween costume into something you can wear again – just throw some cat ears with it and it’s done!
This item is currently waitlisted and I know why! This is the softest, most darlin’ leopard print jacket on the market. And better yet – it’s true to size! I’m wearing a size small! Put your name in the email list to snag this when it goes back in stock. This cozy jacket feels like a hoodie but makes you look like a show-stopper.
I featured these DSW shoes on my Instagram a few weeks ago and they were a MAJOR HIT, and sparked my idea for this post! Snake skin is in this fall, but leopard print will always be my favorite of the two. These shoes are more subtle, if you’re not looking to go full out on animal print. This makes them a perfect fall staple boot with all your tan/black clothing items!
- Clothes for College
Hey, pretty girl!
College is fast approaching, which means its storage bin and packing up your closest season! With small rooms, closets and overall space in general, it can be tough to decide what to bring with to college!
This list includes just the “must need” items – be sure to bring your favorite fall pieces along with this. Remember : you can always go shopping once you’re in college.
With Love, Marin
- Stepping up your outfit with one thing, accessories.
Hey, pretty girl!
When it comes to accessorizing, there are a million ways to make your outfit STAND OUT. But when it comes to successful accessorizing, there is a way of using too many accessorizes. Your best bet is to focus on one (or two) of these seven types of accessories with an outfit!
Shoes
Shoes are a great way to make a bold statement with a simple outfit. You can never go wrong with mixing bright colors with a neutral outfit, animal print with jeans and heels to dress up any outfit.
Lovin’ these booties : patterned AND a major fall trend
Statement Purse
When looking for an accessory, purses that are neutral colors but also match your personality are best. Purses with tassels, designs, unique handles, woven texture and block colors always stand out against a basic outfit!
This is my current favorite purse : woven texture, tassel AND unique handle!!
Lipstick
A pop of color on your lips is a surefire way to draw attention to your face! This is especially a great accessory tip for first dates (if you’re looking to make your lips look extra fun to kiss). To find your best lipstick color look to the color of your wrist veins – blue is a cool undertone and green is a warm undertone.
Cool undertone (what I am) : deep bluish reds, pinks and neutrals.
Warm undertone : corals, peaches and darker neutrals.
When it comes to lipstick, I love Tarte and Bare Minerals due to the moisturizing complex of the lipstick. I use the shade “Tutu” from Bare Minerals!
Hats
I’ve been wanting a Brixton Fiddler Cap since the moment I tried one on in Nashville (unfortunately they were out of my size)! Not only do hats hide a bad hair day or keep you from a sunburn, they are a perfect way to complete an outfit.
Scarves
Now, sometimes accessory combos can get excessive. However, the one combo that I love is scarves and hats. It screams fall (and pumpkin spice frappuccinos)! Look for plaid, tassels and cozy scarves! Not only do they look cute, they protect you from the cool fall wind.
I’m obsessed with this plaid scarf trend!
Jewelry
Remember that undertone thing for lipstick – it works with jewelry too! If you have a cool undertone, silver jewelry compliments you best. For warm undertones, look towards gold jewelry. Unique earrings, long necklaces and layered bracelets are totally in right now!
Lulu’s is a great way to pick up affordable and adorable jewelry pieces! Many of my homecoming/prom statement items came from this amazing online boutique!
Belts
We’ve all seen the Gucci Belt on Instagram but what is so captivating about a seemingly simple item? I’ll tell you what. It makes or breaks an outfit. A black bodysuit and denim shorts is immediately upgraded as your eyes are drawn to the belt design.
Now, we all can’t afford this belt but Amazon and Apricot Lane Boutique sell a variety of dupes!
With Love, Marin
- Country Concert Chic
Hey, pretty girl!
The end of summer and into fall is the time of country music! Growing up in the north, it can be difficult channeling southern country vibes for these concerts! Luckily, when I was in Nashville, I got some major style inspo!
Below are three ways to style your way to the perfect country concert insta post. It takes on 3 different styles so that (almost) everyone can find what suits them best. I’d pick #1!
Outfit #1 : White Lace Dress, Cowgirl Boots, Cowgirl Hat
White Lace Dress (Similar Look)
Cowgirl Hat (Similar Looks – I got mine at the Ryman)
Outfit #2 : Hair Scarf, Blouse, Flared Leg Jeans, Booties,
Hair Scarf (Similar Looks)
Flared Leg Jeans (TTS)
Booties (TTS)
Outfit #3 : , Cowgirl Hat, Cami, Denim Skirt, Cowgirl Boots
Cowgirl Hat (Similar Looks – I got mine at the Ryman)
Cami (Size XS – runs big in the chest region)
Denim Skirt (TTS)
Upcoming Country Concerts
August 2nd – Willie Nelson at Target Center
August 17th – Reba & Gone West at Treasure Island Amphitheater
August 25th – Trace Adkins at the Minnesota State Fair (I’m going!!!!)
September 7th – Thomas Rhett at the Xcel Energy Center
September 28th – Luke Combs at the Xcel Energy Center
October 4th – Jon Pardi at the Armory
October 19th – Miranda Lambert at the Xcel Energy Center
November 16th – Maren Morris at the Armory
With Love, Marin
- Pajama Try-On Haul
Hey, pretty girl!
I’ll be the first to admit – I love wearing athletic shorts and mix-match tees to bed. And then… I realized I would be sharing a room (and a bathroom) with people I barely knew this fall – let’s say, it was time for a PJ wardrobe update.
For all of you girls heading to college this fall and starting the endless slumber-party that is dorm life – search no further than Target and Amazon (sizing details will be at the end).
1. Transition PJ Set
These Target pajamas are the cutest mauve tank/short set ever! Not only are they made of the softest material ever, it also doesn’t completely look like a pajama set. So if you’re looking to go to the laundry room or the dining hall – it’ll just look like lounge wear.
Also, in case you haven’t heard, most dorms are constantly hot from the amount of bodies in the building. However, if there happens to be a cool evening, you can purchase these matching pajama pants to go with the set.
2. Collared PJ Set
If you’re looking to pretend like you have the adult-thing figured out, I highly recommended the Target collared PJ set featured on my Instagram. The material is soft on the skin and perfect if you’re looking for more coverage in your pajamas. I have it in grey and navy, but it also comes in a classic black!
3. Collared Nightgown
This Target nightgown has the same style as my collared pajama set, but it for the girls who like the feel of an oversized t-shirt. If you’re taller, I recommended sizing up so that you can walk to the communal bathrooms without flashing anyone!
4. Slippers
For lounging in a dorm room or going to a slumber party – slippers are a must! If you are using them frequently though, they need to hold up. These slippers have been recommended by SO many bloggers I follow – and let me tell you, they live up to the hype.
I purchased the cream colored slippers in a size 9-10 (they run a tad small)!!
5. Fuzzy Robe
For after the shower when you just want to stay warm – this robe is so affordable and so cute! It’s on the longer side too, so you don’t have to worry about minimal coverage.
6. Silk Robe
If you’re looking for a robe that a) won’t make your hair frizzy and b) looks sexy, this is the robe you want! It comes in a variety of colors and is soft on your skin.
7. Eye Mask
For mid-day naps and when your roommate stays up late studying, eye masks are a necessity. This one from Amazon comes in so many colors (matching any girl’s style).
Sizing Guide : I recommend getting everything in your true size… EXCEPT TARGET. Target tends to have a larger than typical sizing range – for example, I’m typically a small. I size down to an extra-small in Target clothing!
@photosbyjannajo
With Love, Marin
- Nordstrom Sale
- Cute & Affordable Swimmies
Hey, pretty girl!
Swimmie season is in full swing – which means stocking up for the year to come (especially for us Minnesota winter vacationers)! However, when it comes to swimsuits, there is always one thing I detest: buying ones that only last a single summer. Whether it be pilling, faded colors or ruined elastic, nothing is more annoying than spending money on something that doesn’t get good use out of it.
I’ll be honest, I’ve been buying up the Target swim section for the last three years in a row. And, while I love their styles and prices, there is a reason why I’ve had to buy new ones EVERY SINGLE YEAR. So this year, I decided I would be adventurous and extend beyond my typical Target swimmie haul. But y’all, in my search, I found that it is so hard to find a cute top/bottom combo that isn’t over $100.
Fortunately, in my search, I found these two stores – Red Dress Boutique and Lulu’s! With a multitude of style options – high waisted bottoms, one-pieces, wrap-top bikinis, belted and velvet AND many fun color options, I rounded up some of the best (and most affordable) swimmies on the market.
Red Dress Boutique: For bathing suits ranging from $40-$60 (even with a top/bottom combo), I was highly impressed by the quality of these swimmies. The material is soft, has not started to pill or lose color, and flatters your body shape! Their stuff tends to sell out fast, so make sure you buy something if you like it. I purchased a small in both the top/bottom high-waisted stripe bikini and the tropical print one-piece. I did not purchase a belted one-piece, but if you’re in for this trend – Red Dress would be the best place to get it from!
Pink Stripe Bikini Top (Marin’s Pick)
Pink Stripe Bikini Top with Pom-Poms
Pink Stripe Bikini Bottoms (Marin’s Pick)
Lulu’s (10% off with UNiDAYS College Rewards): Their website STUNNED me with the amount of different style options to stay fashionable and trendy by the pool. While their bathing suit combos are typically more in the $70-$80 range, they are well worth a tad extra money – especially since UNiDAYS (the college-savings app) gives you a 10% off coupon for Lulu’s 24/7! For Lulu’s, I typically size down to an extra-small, but I recommend you keep your typical size in the bikini top as they run small. Also WARNING : the wrap bikini is so stinkin’ cute in royal blue but the bottoms they have linked DO NOT match. Please, do yourself a favor and purchase the black pair to go with it!
Now, go rock the rest of your summer with trendy swimmies that won’t break the bank!
With Love, Marin
- Your Fourth of July Fashion Guide
Hey, pretty girl!
Fourth of July is coming up next week, which means you’re probably frantically searching for your best red/white/blue apparel. Look no farther than this post for your 7/4 fashion inspo! I’ve rounded up the best beach, athleisure, semi-casual, and dressy patriotic wear. If you’re just looking for an accessory, pop to the bottom of this post!
Beach Wear: For those of you hitting the lake or beach this 4th, it’s always more fun to throw on patriotic swimwear. In general, Red Dress Boutique, Target, and Abercrombie have tons of great (and affordable) options. My two personal pics would be the Chasing The Sun Navy Stripe Bikini Set from Red Dress Boutique or this Knot-Front One Piece from Abercrombie.
Chasing The Sun Navy Stripe Bikini Top
Chasing the Sun Navy Stripe Bikini Bottom
Athleisure: If you’re looking for some patriotic work-out gear or just want to be comfy (I do not blame you), then this two-piece set is perfect for you! While it is a bit on the spendy side, this set will last you beyond the 4th as the pattern is quick subtle.
Semi-Casual: My semi-casual is the classic girl’s response to, “what are you wearing?” : a nice top and jeans. Last year, this is the type of outfit I opted for. My top was from American Threads, and while it’s sold out now, I linked a similar look!
Open Shoulder Flounce Trim Striped Top
Dressy: Finally, for the major fashionistas out there, I crafted the most perfect 7/4 show-stopper outfit (showcased in the picture up top)! The Lulu’s Stellar Blue and White Striped Off-The-Shoulder Midi Dress is perfect for bonfires, firework-watchin’, and boat rides. I paired this dress with white cork wedges and to add a pop of red, I wore Covergirl’s Katy Kat lipgloss in shade ninth life. You can also add a pair of red heart sunglasses from Amazon to top it off.
Stellar Blue and White Striped Off-The-Shoulder Midi Dress
Cork heels in tan (same style as the ones I wore but different color – mine sold out)
Accessories: If you’re looking for just a small pop of patriotic colors I rounded up this hair scarf (available in store only) and flip-flops from Old Navy. They are both super affordable and easy options for tying in red/white/blue to your everyday clothing items!
Flag Handkerchief (Tie around neck or wear as a hair scarf)
If you’re using my Lulu’s, Red Dress Boutique or Nordstrom recs – Be sure to TWO-DAY SHIP!
Whatever style you go for this 4th, enjoy celebrating 243 years of America!
With Love, Marin
