Spied: Stripe Panel Skirt

Several months ago, when I had just had a baby but I still looked pregnant, I got rid of a lot of my skirts thinking that I would never fit into them again. (At the time I could only fit into my husband's t-shirts and maternity yoga pants, so my clothing prospects looked pretty bleak.)

Fast forward to today, and I have almost nothing to wear to church. Every week I look in my closet and hope some new, appropriate, nursing-friendly outfit has found its way inside, but I end up cycling through the same one skirt and one maxi dress I own Sunday after Sunday. It's safe to say that it wouldn't hurt for me to have a few more skirts in my wardrobe.

I found this one (on sale!) and absolutely love it. The pattern is flattering and interesting, the colors are incredibly versatile, and overall it feels fresh.

JOA Panel Skirt, $44.97

Here are a few more skirts I wouldn't mind owning, all under $50:

floral rose print || textured botanical print || blue floral print

colorblock skirt || eyelash lace panel skirt || stripe skirt || modern pencil skirt

midi vintage skirt || woven midi skirt in crepe || full skirt in indigo

Is it something you would wear? I almost never wear skirts or dresses during the week, so I have a hard time spending money on them, but tell me this - how many church outfits do you own? How many would you like to own? For me, two is most definitely not enough.

By fashion contributor Mary.

This Week {No. 44}

I snagged this sweater on sale and I l-o-v-e it. 

And it felt like Christmas when I buttoned these favorite pre-baby jeans (now on sale!)
Also, I wear these earrings almost every day.

Here are a few links for your weekend.

b u y

 these sweet patterned pants
these rad earrings

this perfect waffle sweater (great for this favorite DIY)
this fall-ready midi dress
these great flats (on sale)

c o v e t

this elegant coat
his gorgeous floral blouse

this mixed media sweater

m a k e

this adorable top

r e a d

this blog - it might be my favorite thing on the internet (and I'm so stoked about the latest project!)

this quick and heartfelt novel

t h i s  w e e k e n d

I am headed to a girls' night away from Simone for the first time on Friday(!!!)

Then we are going to have a birthday party for Simone on Saturday.

What are you up to?

Sale: J.Crew {Extra 30% Off and Free Shipping!}

J.Crew is offering an extra 30% off their sale section right now. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of cozy sweaters they have that would be perfect for fall. Here are my favorite finds.

1 | Linen tee in fantastique | $21 (Orig. $43)
2 | Sequin dot tee | $35 (Orig. $60)
3 | Merino wool Tippi sweater | $28 (Orig. $80)
4 | Paneled sweatshirt in surf stripe | $35 (Orig. $78)
5 | Shaky disc earrings | $35 (Orig $75)
6 | Oui mon cheri sweatshirt | $21 (Orig. $65)
7 | Garden floral ruched bandeau tank | $28 (Orig. $92)
8 | Merino wool asymmetrical zip sweater | $49 (Orig. $90)
9 | Sweatshirt tee | $21 (Orig. $40)

I am loving the graphic sweatshirt and earrings. And I know it's late in the year for swimsuits but they are the best deals. Here are a few others I love (one | two | three).

Don't forget to enter SHOPFORFALL at checkout to receieve the extra discount. And you get free shipping if you order before midnight tonight!

Anything you have to have?

Our Life: Simone Turns One

Today is our sweet Simone's first birthday. I am overjoyed. It's amazing how one year with a baby can feel like an eternity. How is it that her sweet face and funny laugh have been with us for such a short time? She fills up such a large place in my heart - it's hard to put it in words.

I love you to the moon and back, Simi.

May this next year be filled with just as much love and happiness.

Inspired: Messy Braids

The weather is getting cooler, my kids are in preschool, and all of it gives me back-to-school flashbacks. I'm inspired by old episodes of Felicity - leather backpacks and chunky sweaters and most of all, messy braids. Here are a few images that capture that feeling perfectly:

{ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 }

What about you? What are you doing with your hair this fall?

By fashion contributor Mary.

Must Have: Ankle Boots

Every fall, without fail, the first purchase I am itching to make is a new pair of boots (or three). This year I am still head over heels for the ankle boot. Here are a few of my favorite finds all for less than $50!

1 | Dolce Vita Rodge Womens Leather Fashion Ankle Boots | $24 (Orig. $190) {leather!}
2 | Holt Leather & Suede Ankle Boots | $50 (Orig. $100)
3 | Dana Buchman Women's Ankle Boots | $43 (Orig. $89)
4 | Wallis Cream Western Ankle Boot | $35 (Orig. $70)
5 | Candie's Ankle Boots | $30 (Orig. $70)
6 | Heeled Beige Ankle Boots | $50
7 | Slip On Ankle Boots | $35
8 | Silence + Noise Pull-On Leather Ankle Boot | $50 (Orig. $89){leather!}
9 | Sonoma Life + Style Ankle Boots | $45 (Orig. $75)

I think 5, 6, & 8 are my favorites. Do you have a favorite?

This Week {No. 43}

This shot of my babes is definitely my favorite of the week:

Here are a few links for your weekend:

b u y

this polka dot baseball sweater (for $16!)

this preppy bomber jacket

this pretty floral print pencil skirt
this optimistic canvas tote
these rad printed loafers

c o v e t

this beautiful sweater
this stunning laser-cut sheath dress
this dreamy silk dress
this striped blazer

d o

make these cute camp pennants (I'm thinking of adding one to a gallery wall)
add heart-shaped elbow patches to a sweater (from the archives)

r e a d

this post might just have me ready for fall
this blog always makes me laugh

t h i s   w e e k e n d

I will be spending the weekend getting ready for Simone's first birthday.
I still can't believe she'll be one next week. What are you up to?

Spied: ASOS Duffle Coat

Even though the weather here is far from cool (summer in North Carolina often lasts well into October), I have my eye on this adorable toggle coat. I can't get over the color, which is just gorgeous. And it's on sale for less than $50!

Duffle Coat With Curved Split Hem, $45.70

And just for the record, here's what I'd love to wear with it:

stripe turtleneck || burnt ochre skinny cords || leopard print loafers

By fashion contributor Mary.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 26}

By fashion contributor Mary.

Okay, so I know that every week I say that that week's inspiration image is one of my all-time favorites. I say that about every image I post about, and actually every time it's true (I have a lot of favorites). But this week, the inspiration image is really truly honestly in my top five favorites. I've been searching for a look alike to this top for months, and I finally found one.

That (amazing) sweater is from Madewell, but it's currently sold out. Luckily, Old Navy made a tee that's almost identical for EIGHT DOLLARS. Check it out:

clutch, $26.98 || top, $8 || jeans, $27.99 || watch, $18.80 || boots, $34.94

o p t i o n s

clutch: crushed satin || leather || beaded || textured

similar tops: one || two || three || four || five

watch: for $18.80 || for $19.90 || for $22.80

boots: from Charlotte Russe || from H&M || from Urban Outfitters || from DSW

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

Go Get It: Gap {No. 12}

Gap is usually above my budget, but today all regular price items are 35% off with code THANKS. I think it's a great opportunity to grab a few of their fall pieces while they're more affordable. I also love the vibe that Gap has right now - lots of marled gray, plaid, contrast zippers, burgundy - it feels simultaneously cozy and sophisticated. Here are a few of my favorites:

1 | Painterly cocoon sweatshirt, $29.28
2 | Cap-sleeve denim dress, $51.97
3 | Fitted boyfriend plaid shirt, $35.72
4 | Three-quarter sleeve faded tee, $17.52
5 | Zip-pocket track pants, $29.22
6 | Polka dot oxford shirt, $35.72
7 | Stripe luxe boatneck tee, $17.52
8 | Zip-back knit pencil skirt, $32.47
9 | Fair isle v-neck cardigan, $38.97
10 | Merino shoulder-patch dress, $51.97
11 | Classic leather ballet flats, $25.97
12 | 1969 always skinny cords, $38.97

By fashion contributor Mary.

This Week {No. 42}

Here are a few things we have been up to lately.

Tate's first day at preschool | I made and installed a set of glass cabinets in my kitchen
Simone being adorable (aka the usual) | I remember that these pants are pure magic

Here are a few links for your weekend:

b u y

these high-rise jeggings (on sale!)
this aztec print midi skirt
these two-toned scalloped ballet flats
this cozy plaid flannel shirt
this adorable cat sweater

c o v e t

this dreamy striped top

this rugged leather tote

these drop-dead gorgeous calf hair flats
this amazing flamingo print shirtdress

d o

make this beautiful planter for $15
try this watercolor lettering tutorial

r e a d

this post about being a mother of young children
this amazing blogger has started posting again & I couldn't be happier

f o l l o w

some of my favorite pinners:
Amelia | Melanie | Angela | Danielle

t h i s  w e e k e n d

After spending last weekend at home with the kids with my husband out of town and installing six kitchen cabinets by myself, I'm planning to take it easy.
What are you up to?

Spied: J. Crew Factory Tank

Maybe it's because I'm spending this week at the beach that I have swimwear on my mind, but I was browsing through the J. Crew Factory website and saw that a lot of their modest one-pieces and rash guards are on sale right now. Some are even under $30! This anchor print is my favorite:

Factory tank in navy floating anchor, $29.99 (Orig. $84.50)

Fall is such a great time to find swimwear for next summer at more affordable prices. Be sure to check out these other J. Crew Factory options, all on sale:

Factory tank in navy paisley, $41.99

Factory tank in coral leaf, $29.50

Factory tank in navy dot, $29.99

Factory tank in navy diamond, $49.99

Factory rash guard, $34.50 and Factory bikini, $24.50 in sailor stripe

Factory rash guard, $34.50 and Factory bikini, $19.50 in navy stripe

By fashion contributor Mary.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 25}

By fashion contributor Mary.

I love outfits that are classy with an edge, outfits that mix prints, and outfits that go well with a simple red lip. This image (including a pleated leather skirt, polka dots and leopard, perfect red lipstick) is all three.

While the pieces in the inspiration outfit add up to more than $1000 (yikes!), I've put together this affordable look for a tenth of that price:

clutch, $26.98 || shoes, $22 || top, $29.95 || skirt, $20 || bracelet, $6

o p t i o n s

shoes: one || two || three || four || five

top: J. Crew Factory || Express || J. Crew || Jones New York

bracelet: for $5.80 || for $15 || for $19.95 || for $23.97

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

Must Have: Anorak & Utility Jackets

This image popped up in my Instagram feed yesterday and I (like everyone else who commented, it seems) immediately thought, "I WANT THAT JACKET." Inspired, I spent a while looking around the Internet for anorak jackets. It wasn't hard to find several that I think are adorable - cute anorak and utility jackets are everywhere this fall. Here are some of my favorites, all under $50:

row one: Anorak Jacket, $21.69 || Snap-Zip Jacket, $49.99 || Canvas Utility Jacket, $27.96

row two: Anorak Windbreaker, $44.99 || Cotton Utility Jacket, $49 || Cotton Jacket, $49.95

row three: Hooded Utility Jacket, $32.80 || Quilted Anorak, $34.96 || Cotton Military Jacket, $15

Any that you would buy? And if you don't mind me asking, how much are you usually willing to spend on a jacket? Even though they're good investment pieces and styles are consistent from year to year, I personally have a hard time spending more than $40 or $50. Tell me I'm not alone.

By fashion contributor Mary.

Sale: Old Navy {Extra 20% Off}

Old Navy is having a such a great sale right now. So many of their summer items are already marked down to under $10, and they're currently offering 20% off your entire purchase with the discount code SAVE. Seriously, now is the time to stock up on knee-length shorts for next year (some are less than six dollars!) while you also browse some of their amazing fall styles (skinny cords, anyone?). Be sure to shop this weekend - the discount code expires on Monday!



1 | Striped hooded pullover | $7.98 (Orig. $24.94)
2 | Jersey pencil skirt | $19.95 (Orig. $26.94)
3 | Floral gauze scarf | $11.20 (Orig. $16.94)
4 | The sweetheart denim bermudas (11") | $5.59 (Orig. $24.94)
5 | Sueded D'Orsay flats | $9.58 (Orig. $24.94)
6 | Striped-pocket tee | $12.80 (Orig. $19.94)
7 | 3/4-sleeve maxi dress | $9.58 (Orig. $34.94)
8 | The boyfriend skinny cord | $27.20 (Orig. $34.94)
9 | Beach-graphic oversized tee | $8.79 (Orig. $16.94)

Anything you would grab? I'm especially loving numbers 2, 3, 5 and 8.

By fashion contributor Mary.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 24}

By fashion contributor Mary.

This week's inspiration image is perfection. I'm a casual person, and I'm always looking for ways to wear basic pieces so that I come off looking more like an easy-going minimalist and less like I shop at Goodwill. (Not that there's anything wrong with shopping at Goodwill, but I don't think anyone wants to look like they shop at Goodwill.) The key with this outfit is sophistication, which she adds in her hair and makeup. Overall, it comes across very elegant. Très weekend chic. I love it.

Here's a more affordable version that I've put together for less than $100:

tote, $25.60 || sweater, $19.95 || jeans, $13.98 || sandals, $39.95

o p t i o n s

tote: for $17.95 || for $40 || for $57.99

sweater: one || two || three

jeans: from Forever 21 || from H&M || from JC Penney || from Old Navy

sandals: double buckle || gold strap || gladiator || gold bar detail

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

Inspired: J.Crew Factory {Fall Looks}

One of the hardest parts of shopping for a changing season (for me, at least) is that I feel like I need to buy new everything. With fall, it's usually twenty new sweaters, two new jackets and six more pairs of shoes, at least four pairs of pants and probably ten or twelve other things I don't think of until I see them in a store. It's not a very healthy or inexpensive way to shop, and I could certainly benefit from being more organized.

I'm in love with J. Crew Factory's Outfit Obsessions right now. Going through the looks helps me see how I could use items that are already in my closet, and which pieces I might like to add when I go shopping. They even use the same pieces in multiple outfits to emphasize how versatile they are. (I like the style shown in these looks better than J. Crew's Looks We Love; I think they're more accessible, and of course they're more affordable.)


Click here to get outfit details, or check out the budget-friendly options below (all under $50, most under $40):

denim jacket, $29.80 || pencil skirt, $22.99 || graphic sweatshirt, $21.99 || black skinnies, $21.99

wool baseball cap, $29.50 || printed shirtdress, $39.97 || silver shoes, $48 || striped tee, $39.49
sweatpants, $30.96 || leather-trim sweatshirt, $34.49 || distressed jeans, $20.99 || statement necklace, $39.95

plaid button-up, $17.80 || patterned pumps, $49.95 || zipper jacket, $39.99 || white jeans, $19.99

By fashion contributor Mary.