Giveaway: $100 Sheinside Gift Card

Today I am stoked to offer a giveaway from Sheinside. They sent me this dress I have had my eye on for ages and I'm head over heels.

white floral butterfly print dress c/o sheinside

thrifted striped heels - $5 | similar here | here | and here

Sheinside has been generous enough to offer a chance to win a $100 gift card.

To enter:
1) Register on Sheinside.
2) Like the Sheinside Facebook Page
3) Leave a comment under this post using your email address (the same as used for signing up)

The giveaway ends on Sunday, April 6 at 10 pm.

Good luck!

Go Get It: Joe Fresh at JC Penney {No. 5}

I was so excited when I found out that Canada's fast fashion retailer was partnering with JC Penney a few years ago. I had a look around and fell head over heels for their current selection. So many crisp blouses in pretty prints at amazing prices (also known as my personal kryptonite):

1 | Trench Coat | $32.50 (Orig. $49)
2 | 3/4-Sleeve Print Peasant Top | $19 (Orig. $29) {my very favorite}
3 | Slim-Fit Brocade Pants | $18 (Orig. $39)
4 | Silk-Blend Print Shirt | $19 (Orig. $29)
5 | Dark Denim Jeggings | $19 (Orig. $29)
6 | Striped Silk-Blend Blouse | $19 (Orig. $29)
7 | Slim Print Pants | $21 (Orig. $39)
8 | 3/4-Sleeve Polka Dot Peasant Top | $19 (Orig. $29)
9 | 100% Silk Cargo-Pocket Shirt | $22.50 (Orig. $49)

Have you purchased anything from the Joe Fresh/JC Penney collab?

This Week {No. 32}

Here are a few snapshots from this week:

pretty spring dress | simone turns 6 months
refashioned polka dot skirt | new kitchen crock

b  u  y 

these gorgeous (and comfortable) suede flats (on sale!)

this elegant quilted puff sleeve sweatshirt
this beautiful gauzy tee
this colorblocked pencil skirt (60% off)
this pretty crescent necklace

this flowy floral peplum top

c  o v  e  t 
this lovely printed blouse
this pretty emerald earrings
this beautiful striped eyelet tee

m  a  k  e
this box pleated skirt

r  e  a  d
this best selling novel

t  h  i  s    w  e  e  k  e  n  d 

unfortunately, steve's spring break has matched up exactly with my work deadline -
and we won't be able to get away. at least we can sleep in.

are you doing something fun?

Look for Less: Pastel Moto Jacket

I have been on the hunt for a spring jacket. I have a trench, but I'd love something shorter. I saw this look for less and couldn't believe how similar the two are:

Pastel Moto Jacket vs. Club Monaco Delaine Leather Moto Jacket

I am loving the juxtaposition of the spot on for spring muted pastel pink and toughness of the moto style.

Inspired: J.Crew Looks We Love (+25% Off Sale)

I am loving the latest batch of outfits from J.Crew. They have an interesting mix of muted pastels, lacy textures, and military inspired pieces.

The grey eyelet tee is such a great color & texture combination. I am especially surprised at how much I like the combination of the hooded military jacket and those amazing nude heels (which happen to be on sale).

Right now, J.Crew is offering an extra 25% off everything. 

Here are my favorite picks (all under $45):

Piped suede ballet flats (60% off)

Toothpick jean in ecru

Deco shell ruched halter bandeau one piece

Merino Tippi sweater in geometric stripe

Jacquard-stripe sweatshirt 

Jacquard floral sweatshirt (best deal)

Back-zip colorblock sweatshirt

A Picture Is Worth {No. 5}

By fashion contributor Mary.

Sometimes I think the easiest way to have fun with your wardrobe is to take a classic, easy outfit and punch it up with fun accessories and bold colors. This week's image is a great example of how to do just that: take your regular button-up and jeans, but then add a bold cardigan, bright skinny belt, and finish it off with a cool tassel necklace. (And a half-tucked shirt, if you're into that.)

I've recreated this outfit for just over $100. Taking into consideration the fact that most of us already have a pair of skinny jeans in our wardrobe, it would probably cost us much less to add in the remaining pieces. (Oh, and don't be fooled by what appears to be a solid blue button-up in the image below! If you go to the product page and zoom in, you can see the subtle stripe.)

jeans, $24.99 || sweater, $19.99 || belt, $12.99 || necklace, $29.95 || button-up, $14.97

o p t i o n s

sweater: for $9.99 || for $19.99 || for $23.94

necklace: from Forever 21 || from Loft

belt: in brighter yellow || in pastel yellow

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

Must Have: French Tees

This spring I have seen a surge of french words and phrases on tees & sweaters. At first it sort of reminded of me of the notes my high school boyfriend who was proficient in french used to write me (a non-french reader, so I was left scratching my head). But now, I think they are quite charming.

Here are a few of my favorite options right now (including translations. Call me crazy but I like to know what my shirt says whether I speak the language or not.)

1. Linen c'est la vie tee  | $30 (Orig. $45) | translation: that's life
2. Pink knit sweater | $25 | translation: fabulous
3. Amour tee | $25 (Orig. $40) | translation: love
4. Soleil collector tee | $25 (Orig. $45) | translation: sunshine all year long
5. Très jolie sweater | $20 | translation: very pretty
6. Fine-knit Top | $13 | translation: I love the bad boys
7. Linen merci tee | $35 (Orig. $50) | translation: thank you
8. Jersey Top | $15 | translation: I don't care
9. Linen je t'aime tee | $45 | translation: I love you

What do think?

Refashion: Polka Dot Skirt

I stumbled on this dress for $2.50 at Goodwill more than a year ago. I never found the time to turn it into the skirt I was envisioning but I still hauled it with us to Utah so I could eventually follow through. I am so glad I did.

I thrifted this blouse a few months ago and just couldn't leave it behind. It has such a charming print and the most adorable square gold buttons.

thrifted zara blouse - $5 | similar here | here | and here

refashioned polka dot skirt - $5 | similar here (my fave) | here | and here

thrifted gold leather heels - $6 | similar here (leather!) | here | and here

I have been having a hard time finding elastic I like - I swear they all look like underwear trim. I got the mint elastic from ruffle fabric (on Melissa's recommendation) and it's perfect. (I also bought some in peach - can't wait to use it!) Those pleats were a bit tricky to work with, but I'm really happy with the final result.

Have you refashioned anything lately? Leave a link so we can all check it out!

Go Get It: Target {No. 4}

I've been kind of living at Target lately. I guess that's part of how they do what they do. They know you are going for diapers, or contact solution, or tampons and it's near impossible to drop in without perusing the clothes and shoes.

As I've broadcasted far and wide, I'm in love with their high waist denim but I am loving a lot of other things they have too. Here are my favorites:

1 - 3/4 Sleeve Ponte Knit Striped Dress - $15 (Orig. $25)
2 - Dot Ponte Blazer - $30 {have in black & love}
3 - Vikki Pointed Toe Studded Flat - $20
4 - Floral Pullover Sweater - $9 (Orig. $25)
5 - Mint Gelato Sunglasses - $13 (Orig. $17)
6 - Rose Print Twill Pant - $30
7 - Leopard Melanie High Heel Pump - $15 (Orig. $30) {just bought & adore}
8 - Textured Stripe Shirt - $23
9 - Ponte Elbow Sleeve Dress w/Pockets - $30

What have you seen or purchased that you love from Target lately?

This Week {No. 31}

one word: attitude.

links to take you into the weekend:

b  u  y

these gorgeous textured heels (half off!)

this lovely striped statement necklace
this printed popover blouse
this pretty floral tee
this amazing eyelet skirt (in coral)

c  o  v  e  t

this floral peplum blouse
this cool cross stitched vegan leather fox tee
this beautiful antique floral dress

m  a  k  e

these DIY heart flats

r  e  a  d

this fantasy novel (or even better, listen to it)

t  h  i  s    w  e  e  k  e  n  d
I'll be selling some of my lightly used clothing at the REhive Bazaar in Provo on Saturday.

Hop over to my instagram feed to win $50 credit for the pop-up sale.

I hope to see some of you there!

Look for Less: Anthropologie Orlaya Lace Top

Tamara (a long time reader who has such a good eye for this sort of thing), sent me this fabulous look for less. She even purchased the budget friendly version and gives it a glowing review.

Floral Cutout Top vs. Anthropologie Orlaya Top

The lace fabric looks identical to me. It's also used in this pretty Textured Floral Body-Con Dress.

Spied: Anthropologie Winona Blazer

There are few things in this world that make me abandon my shopping mission like a striped blazer. I don't own one but every single time I see one I stop and pet it for a few minutes before moving on. That probably says something deep and meaningful about me, or maybe it just says it's time for me to just buy one already.

I was perusing the Anthropologie sale section and was pleasantly surprised to find this little lady, steeply discounted.

Winona Blazer - Anthropologie - $30 (Orig. $168)

Anthropologie has some seriously good finds in their sale section right now.

These are my favorites (all under $50):

Galina Peplum Top (75% off)

Bluebird Pullover

Lattice Blossom Top (great reviews)

Keren Lace Tee

Eira Top (beautiful floral)

What's your shopping speed bump?

A Picture is Worth {No. 4}

By fashion contributor Mary.

Ah, the midi skirt. Every time I think about midi skirts, I get a little bit happier. Thank goodness they're trending right now, amIright? They make feminine outfits so easy, work during any season, and look great with any top: button-ups, short sleeve tees and long sleeve tees, jackets, blouses, and {a perfect choice for spring} sweaters. This outfit, for example:

And here's how you can recreate the outfit for less than $100:

necklace, $22 || shoes, $14.98 || sweater, $9.99 || studs, $18 || skirt, $35

o  p  t  i  o  n  s
necklace: my fave || Madeline's fave
sweater: from H&M || from J. Crew Factory || from Victoria's Secret
studs: for $12.50 || for $15
skirt: one || two || three

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

Sale: Extra 40% Off at J.Crew

Spring time is such a good time to find good deals at J.Crew. Right now it's an interesting mix of sweaters, swim, and pretty tops. They are currently offering an extra 40% off all the sale goods (50% off some things - holla).

Here are my favorite finds:

1 - Heather-stripe sweater $24 (Orig. $88) | 2 - Camp popover in flower bud $30 (Orig. $78) 

3 - Ponte peplum shirt $30 (Orig. $78) | 4 - Piped suede ballet flats $42 (Orig. $148)

5 - Crepe baseball top $36 (Orig. $98) | 6 - Polka-dot underwire tank - $36 (Orig. $98)

7 - Painter tee in colorblock $18 (Orig. $40) | 8 - Toothpick cord - $18 (Orig. $98)

9 - Merino stripe elbow-patch sweater $30 (Orig. $80) | 10 - Embroidered floral tee $33 (Orig. $63)

11 - Full-length Minnie pant $36 (Orig. $118) | 12 - Linen merci tee $21 (Orig. $50)

Make sure to enter EXTRA40 at checkout to get the discount.

I think I need that crepe baseball tee. How pretty is that? (The prettiest.)

Must Have: High Waist Denim

I have discovered something magical. High waisted pants are magic. Every single time I swap out a pair of low slung jeans for a high rise pair I feel like Sandra Dee at the end of Grease (aka amazing). No muffin top, no wondering if bending over is going to show more than I bargained for, and no pants that I can remove without undoing the zipper. (What is that? Whatever it is, I don't want it. If this makes me old then pass me something to cross stitch.)

Here are some of my favorite finds under $40 (most under $30):

1 - Black High Waisted Denim Legging | 2 - Grey Brooke High Waisted Jegging (on sale!)

3 - Street Denim Tube Pant (more than half off!) | 4 - Ripped High Waisted Denim Legging

5 - Skinny High Jeans | 6 - High Rise Skinny Jeans

7 - Dark Rinse High Waisted Denim Legging | 8 - Black Skinny High Pants

I can personally vouch for #1, #4, & #7 because I own them and love them - like, try to convince all my friends to buy them, love them.

So am I crazy? Or are you loving high waist pants too?

Go Get It: Old Navy {No. 2}

Old Navy's selection has an ebb and flow for me. There are times when I can't seem to find a thing I want and there are times I want to buy it all. Right now is the latter. Both Mary & I are really impressed with the nautical theme they have going this spring. Here are some of our favorites:

1 - Short-Sleeve Pocket Sweater - $15 (Orig. $22.94)
2 - Cross-Front Jersey Maxi Dress - $25 (Orig. $36.94)
3 - Classic Chambray Shirt - $24.94
4 - Sueded Demi-Wedge Sandals - $26.94
5 - Anchor-Print Chambray Shirt - $19.97 (Orig. $26.94)
6 - Fit & Flare Belted Ponte Dress - $34.94
7 - Mixed-Stripe Textured-Rib Top - $10 (Orig. $19.94)
8 - The Pixie Skinny-Ankle Pants - $25  (Orig. $34.94)
9 - Ponte-Knit Blazer - $39.94

What have you seen or purchased that you love from Old Navy lately?

This Week {No. 30}

Here are  a few snapshots from this week.

{ tate's haircut  ||  DIY floral cross stitch sweater  ||  gallery wall, finally  ||  simone being sweet }

links to take you into the weekend:

b  u  y

this sweet heart print blouse (on sale!)

this feminine blush skirt

these pretty neon earrings
these killer nude heels
this dreamy floral sweatshirt

c  o  v  e  t

this darling eyelet dress
this sweet lace hemmed sweater
these beautiful blue floral pumps

d  o

 5 easy ways to improve your handwriting

r  e  a  d

this beautiful post on motherhood: glass half empty. glass half full.

f  o  l  l  o  w

anna of dear friend | lovely pins & beautiful pics

t  h  i  s    w  e  e  k  e  n  d
I'm hitting up the Veronica Mars movie (which I am really excited about!)
What are you up to?

Spied: Whimsical Garden Maxi Dress {+ 5 More Maxis with Sleeves}

Finding maxis with sleeves is really tough. I once asked a retail employee if they had any maxi dresses with sleeves in stock. He looked at me for a minute and said, "they make those?" Yes, sir. Sometimes they do.

Whimsical Garden Maxi Dress  - Forever 21 - $24.80

I tracked this dress down after spotting this very pretty picture on pinterest. I just love the feminine boho vibe.

Here are a few other pretty maxi dresses with sleeves (under $30!):

A Wear Jersey T-Shirt Maxi Dress (more than half off!)

Goddess Floral Maxi Dress

 Cross-Front Jersey Maxi Dress (nursing friendly)

Knit V-Neck T-Shirt Maxi

Peasant Floral Maxi Dress

A Picture Is Worth {No. 3}

By fashion contributor Mary.

This week's image is another adorable outfit that would work well for spring. It's also a great lesson in pairing opposites: a structured blazer with a flowy blouse, sweet hearts with menswear, delicate mint with bold orange. (Were you looking for a way to wear orange and black together without looking like you're dressing up for Halloween? The answer is found here - add a game-changing color, like mint.)

I had so much fun finding items to duplicate this outfit. The best part is that these skinny cords are from J. Crew, and they're less than $20. No joke, that's an unbeatable deal.

pants || blouse || blazer || bag || pumps

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

Must Have: One Piece Swimsuits

It's getting to be that time of year. No, not the time where it's hot enough to wear swimsuits, but the time that everyone is so sick of winter that all they can think about is how awesome summer will be. Also, spring break approaches.

If you are heading someplace sunny or you just need something to look forward to, I give you my favorite one piece swimsuits under $50 (most under $40):

1 - Mirror Floral Cupped Swimsuit | 2 - Swim Dress (have & love) 

3 - Contrast Halter with Spotted Panel (more than half off!) | 4 - Nautical-Print Cross-Back

5 - Striped-Bandeau | 6 - Bold Graphic Print Bandeau (my fave)

7 - Twist Bandeau in Spot Print | 8 - Motel 50s Style Halter with Padded Cups

9 - Seaside Gardens Rose Floral Bandeau | 10 - Cupped Bandeau

11 - One-Piece Halter | 12 - Contrast Panel Belted Bandeau