Kristyn's 5 Essentials

Since Madeline has requested it, I thought I would put together my own version of the 5 Essentials. I don't really follow trends actively, and sometimes I begin to feel that my style is getting a little stale or that what I like is no longer in fashion (which is probably truer than I care to think...), but these are the things that look good on me and make me feel good, and looking good and feeling good never go out of style.

1. Dark Wash, Wide-leg Jeans

I know Madeline has already done the dark wash jeans, but I have to specify that I require a wide leg. None of this skinny stuff for me. I love wide-leg pants. There's just something about them that makes me feel put-together.

2. Shirts with Feminine Detailing

I know... a little vague. I arrived at this essential by staring at my wardrobe and trying to find the common element. (This is easy to do at the moment, as my entire wardrobe has exploded into my front room and there awaits my attention... so it's easy to look at everything at once.)

I don't wear much jewelry. On any given day my wedding ring provides all the bling I require, so my clothes speak for themselves. It also helps if the shirt sweeps away from my midsection, since this is my biggest problem area at the moment.

3. Flats

This is one item I'm sure is on its way out, but I have worn flats consistently for as long as I can remember. I love flats! They make my feet feel happy and look dainty. I prefer flats with an interesting pattern; polka dots, stripes, geometric shapes, etc. They command a little attention, but don't scream "Look at me!" or make my tootsies sore.

4. Ribbon

A strange essential, perhaps, but ribbon is a great way to dress up an outfit without a lot of fuss or expense. Keep a collection with different colors, patterns and textures. (Grosgrain and satin in solid colors are great basics to have on hand.)

I don't really like buckles so I am not overly fond of belts, but tying a ribbon around your waist is a great way to emphasize your itsy bitsy-ness. I also keep ribbon on hand to dress up a pony tail in a pinch. (Gotta be prepared for those bad hair days when they come along...)

5. A Sturdy Bag

I have a deep and abiding love of canvas totes and messenger bags. Anything that I don't have to treat with kid gloves and can stand up to some abuse. (It doesn't hurt for it to be machine washable, either.) It also needs to be expansive enough to lug around a book or two. You never know when you're going to end up sitting around waiting for something, so I always have a book in my purse.

I think I am in love with dark denim right now, and the bag pictured is what I'm dreaming about at the moment. (It's for sale on Etsy, but I'm not going to tell you where in case I decide to buy it...) But any sturdy fabric will do.

So... those are my 5 Essentials.
Not really trendy, but I don't know that I could get out the door in the morning without them!

Check it Out

Hey all!

I don't think I can begin to tell you how amazing I think my contributors are. Aren't they doing a wonderful job? I couldn't ask for better friends.

I am having a great time in Alaska. I even saw a wolverine at Denali National Park (eat that, Napoleon Dynamite).

But, I really am not connected to the net often enough to write great posts. Today I did see that Ali over at Chicibella is doing a great series on Fashion Trends with Staying Power. She is in the middle of the series, so check it out.

Also, I saw this post at Budget Fashionista, about Delia's End of Season Clearance event, for up to 80% off.

Hope you are all having lovely summers and doing lots of shopping!

Weekend Roundup

Not a lot to report this week:

BOGO still on at Payless Shoesource, good through June 29th.

Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic are all having a huge summer sale. Remember that if you order from these retailers and Piperlime you get a combined low shipping rate for your order.

For a limited time Gap is having a $19.99 sale on select men's and women's jeans, in store only.

Kohl's is doing Kohl's cash right now. Get $10 Kohl's cash for every $50 you spend. Plus today and tomorrow only get an extra 20% off online with code TWENTY4U. It's like getting paid to shop ;)

Friday Freebie:
Reminder that Mars is giving away a coupon for a free chocolate bar to the first 250,000 people to sign up every Friday as part of their Real Chocolate Relief Act. And let's be honest, who couldn't use some free chocolate?! Go here this morning to sign up for your free chocolate. This special will happen every Friday through September.

Do any of you have any deals to share? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Look for Less

I love this outfit from Anthropologie and wanted to do it so I could actually afford it.


Necklace $10.80 - Forever 21

Earrings $4.80 - Forever 21

Ribbed Open Sweater $24.99 - Charlotte Russe

Tropical Tank $24.50 - American Eagle

Jeans $19.99 (orig. $88) - Victoria's Secret

Cut Out Silver Flats $12.48 (orig. $24.99) - Target

The Anthro outfit rings in at a cool $520, while the look for less rings in just under $100.

What do you think? Leave a comment!

Happy Shopping!

Under $60: One Outfit, Two Ways

I might as well go ahead and admit that full skirts might be my favorite things in the world. They make me feel happy and feminine. Pair that with some flats, and I'm in heaven. I like coupling this bright skirt with a bright solid top and neutral accessories.

Color Splashed Shirt - $14.99 (petite) or 24.99 (plus) - j. jill
Pleated Knot Flat - $13.70 - Go Jane
Hidden Button Woven Top - $15.80 - Forever 21
Design Print Wooden Bangle - $1.30 - Go Jane
Gemma Ruffle Front Top - 19.80 - Forever 21

Since the skirt is only available in plus and petite, I've tried to put it together to work for both body types. Both outfits are under $60.

Plus outfit: $55.79
Petite outfit: $49.79

I love the dot detail on the skirt! Let me know what you think.

My 5 Essentials

A few weeks ago, my friend Amanda sent me a link to a Today show feature about every woman's 5 fashion must-haves. If you want to watch the video, the link is here.

Their list:
1. Statement Dress, not in black
2. Statement jewelry: cuffs, big chunky necklace
3. Statement shoes that "elevate the outfit"
4. Statement handbag, not in black
5. Awesome jeans

I read through this and decided that I don't own a dress I love, heck, I barely have a dress that I like. Also, I don't feel like my handbag is all that essential. (Although it is apple green and big enough to carry a small child, so I guess that makes a statement...) So, here is my list, customized just for me. A little footprint of my wardrobe if you will.



1. Patterned Tank
You might be thinking, "Really? Essential?". Yes ma'am. I have a few of these and they are truly staples of my wardrobe. (Those of you who know me, can attest to this). I layer them under tees, sweaters, cardigans. Tuck them into pencil skirts, belt them. They add an extra punch to every outfit, and I feel fabulous every time I wear them.

2. Neutral Cardigan
I have an undying love for cardigans (which my older brother has suggested I inherited from my father... and maybe I did). I wear them ALL the time. I have them in every color of the rainbow, in different weights, lengths, and patterns. Never underestimate the cardigan.

3. Darkwash Jeans
I wear dark wash denim nearly every day. I wear trouser jeans and boot cut jeans at work and skinny jeans much of the rest of the time. I also believe that it is the most universally flattering wash.

4. Belt
You all probably know this, but I wear belts all the time. My waist is a part of my body that I really like, so I like to wear belts to show it off. I also love that belts make my wardrobe so much more versatile.

5. Statement Shoe
I love to wear shoes that say something; whether through a bright color, pattern or cut. The other day I was in the ladies room at work, and when I came out of the stall a coworker said, "I should have known it was you." I was wearing leopard print wedges. This was one thing the Today Show's list was right on about; a great shoe can change an entire outfit (and how you feel in it!)

What are your 5 essentials? Think about it then leave a comment!

I am hoping that my wonderful guest bloggers will be telling you about their 5 essentials in the next coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Spotted in Silk

This post is a tribute to Madeline.

Not that I am not a bargain shopper, but man Madeline is the queen at great finds! She does such an amazing job for finding you great looks for the best prices. This definitely takes some research, so Thank You Madeline for making our lives a little better and spending all those hours finding us the best.

The Outfit: Under $60

1. Forever 21: Pok-a-dot Silk Blend Top= $19.80
2. Old Navy: Women's Classic-Rise Skinny Jeans= $20.00 (orig. 34.50)
3. Gap: Slingback peep-toe flats= $15.99 (orig. 39.50)

What do you guys think? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

Weekend Round Up

BOGO still on at Payless Shoesource, good through June 29th.

Shade Clothing is having their Summer Sale up to 70% off and free shipping with $50 purchase. Some of my favorites are the button-tabbed shorts and cute short sleeve v-neck cardigan.

DSW is having a sale, save $10 off $49 with the promo code below:


A couple of non-fashion, make-you-happy freebies:

Get a coupon for a free Burt's Bees lip balm here, but hurry, there's only a few days left and they only give away 1,000 a day. The giveaway starts anytime between 9 a.m. and 12 noon EDT but no one knows exactly when! To equal the odds and give you the fairest chance at a free balm, they've randomized the giveaway to start anytime between 9 a.m. and 12 noon EDT.

Mars is giving away a coupon for a free chocolate bar to the first 250,000 people to sign up every Friday as part of their Real Chocolate Relief Act. And let's be honest, who couldn't use some free chocolate?! Go here this morning to sign up for your free chocolate. This special will happen every Friday through September.

Do any of you have any deals to share? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Meet the Contributors

I am flying to Alaska on Thursday, and am preparing to go. My friends have volunteered (very kindly) to help maintain my blog while I am away.

Meet the contributors:

Amanda: is one of the craftiest gals I know. Miss Amanda is always willing to undertake a project (and help you figure out how to accomplish it), and always willing to give me feedback about my ideas (and is always giving me great ideas of her own). Another bargain shopper to her core, Amanda is a kindred spirit of mine.

Kristyn: always tells you exactly what she is thinking, and I love her dearly for it. She is the kind of friend you need to take shopping with you because she will tell you how it is. At our craft group, she is a resident paper crafter and is always sharing supplies and and making us laugh.

Ali: knows more about fashion than I can pretend to know. She is wealth of knowledge when it comes to getting dressed as well as dressing a space. With impeccable taste, I am sure she will share some awesome ideas.

Don't miss out on all they have to offer!

Mix-It Up

This fabulous Merino Wool cardigan is on clearance over at J.Crew. I know some of you may be dealing with screaming hot weather, such as the ladies at Academichic. But here in SLC, it's crazy cool and rainy every day. A nice little cardigan goes a long way to warming you up on a drizzly day.


Merino Wool Cardigan - $29.99 (orig. $88.00) - J.Crew

Filigree Top - $14.80 - Forever 21

Shorts - $18.99 - Kohl's

Sandals - $8.00 - Old Navy

What do you think? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Weekend Round-Up

A few things to share before the weekend:

I have recently found a new blog that is quickly becoming a favorite (I keep meaning to add it to the blog roll, but just haven't updated...). It's called Clothed Much, and is a new daily read of mine. Yesterday, Elaine posted a give-a-way of this Shabby Apple dress. Go to here enter.

{Doesn't it have that 60's secretary vibe? Makes me want to be Joan Hollaway on Mad Men. The dress is appropriately named 'the 90 Words Per Minute dress'.}

And, if you enter CLOTHEDMUCH15OFF for another purchase in the coupon box at checkout, you will get you 15% off your purchase. Expires July 31st.

BOGO is back on at Payless Shoesource, of course it's off and on again as much as me and that guy sophomore year if college, hehe. It's good through June 29th (this time).

DownEast says this weekend is the end of the tent sale in Ogden & Logan, UT DownEast Home & Clothing Stores, good through Saturday, June 13. Sales on clothing, furniture, bedding, lighting and more.

Also, DownEast is opening a new location in the Sacramento area (at the Galleria at Roseville). Read the press release about it here.

Do any of you have any deals to share? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

My Apologies!

So, I realize I have been totally out of the blogging world for a week. So, here's where I have been. I drove to Yosemite National Park from Utah on Friday (which was about an 11 hour drive, yikes!) We hiked the park Saturday and Sunday. Then Monday morning I woke up with a stomach bug that was working it's way through my family. While feeling under the weather, we drove from Yosemite to Moss Beach (South of San Francisco on the Pacific Coast) to the most amazing little Inn. It was amazing and mellow and you all should stay there if you get the chance. The next day (Tuesday) we drove to San Francisco, and tried to cram as much into 8 hours as humanly possible. We took the BART, we walked from downtown to Fisherman's wharf, we did Alcatraz, and we took a cable car, and even saw the painted ladies (houses, not real ladies). Then we drove to Berkeley to some random Free-range/Vegan/Vegetarian Italian restaurant (which was really good). It was our 3rd Anniversary after all. And then we drove to Reno staid the night in a questionable Motel 6 and took I-80 all the way home yesterday. It was crazy. But it was awesome. At least I have an excuse that I haven't blogged right?


I guess I am feeling really guilty about missing a week of posts because my annual trip to Alaska is imminent. I am leaving for the commerical salmon season next week and will be ..... without daily internet access for 6 weeks! Not to mention my fashion inspiration will be over sized orange rain gear and goulashes.

I will do my best to post at least once a week. And am hoping for a few friends to help me out with a few guest posts. So, please, don't give up on me! I am so happy to have so many faithful readers, you guys are so amazing. Thanks for allowing me to do this!

Find of the Day

I know I have been a little MIA this week. I have been working a lot of overtime. I am also gearing for a weekend trip to California and for my summer adventure in Alaska... details on that to come soon.

I did find a great deal, to share with all of you. This amazing Petite Cotton Sateen Tiered Waist Jacket from Ann Taylor was $169 and has been marked to just $29.99!

Check it out!

Thanks for reading and Happy Shopping!

Make Your Own Stationary

I have decided I am going to occasionally post non-fashion posts (mostly DIY projects) but still with a budget spirit to them. I am often doing fun crafts on the cheap, and am always wanting to share them.


I found this tutorial on how to make your own stationary with left over wallpaper at Design Sponge earlier this month and my crafty friends and I set out to make our own. With our scanty budgets in mind we changed a few things. First, we went to the Dollar Store and bought sets of cards, 8 for $1 (instead of buying fancy blank cards somewhere else). We tried to get cards that were blank inside (but did buy a few that had cheesy sayings inside like, "Your kindness is special, and so are you"). None of us had any wallpaper hanging around, but my friend Amanda and I found rolls at Big Lots for just $2. Now, this wasn't wall paper I would ever actually put up on my wall, but in small stationary doses, was kind of fun. Our other friends had vast supplies of scrapbook paper (and were kind enough to share, thanks Kristyn!) Wrapping paper could also be used for this craft. We did try to get our hands on old wallpaper sample books, but apparently this is not as easy as everyone likes to say. I am still on the hunt though, because they would make awesome fodder for craft night.


If the card had a saying inside we cut a solid mat for the inside of the card. At first, I thought these cards that needed mats would be the most tedious and I avoided them, but I found that I enjoyed the extra pop of color on the inside of these cards the very most.

What do you guys think? Are you a DIYer? Do you try to be? Any ideas on what to do with 56 sq. ft. of interesting wallpaper? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading,

and Happy Crafting!

P.S. You may have noticed a new button to the right. My husband is starting a band called Twenty Wells, it's country / folk. So, if you want to check it out, do. Thanks!

Look for Less / Mix-It Up

I am doing a combination of Look for Less and Mix it Up today (mostly because this awesome skirt was on sale for a song... no need to find it for cheaper). I did the new look in a different color pallete because I prefer grey to brown, but the brown skirt is still available if that is more you. This look rings in at $83.78 (compared to the original at about $350):


Button Front Shirt $15.00 (orig. $24.50) - Old Navy

Necklace $18.80 - Forever 21

Charmeuse Pencil Skirt $29.99 (orig. $98.00) - J.Crew

Side Cut-Out Pump $19.99 (orig. $59.00) - Victoria Secret

What do you guys think? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!