Must Have: Hearts

I always love hearts, but February makes me extra excited to put them on. Here are a few of my favorite finds:

1 - nude fluffy heart jumper
2 - big heart blue tee
3 - vila heart print dress
4 - linen heart top

If you are looking to make something lovey for valentine's day, check out my round up of 9 great DIY heart projects.

Spied: Sequin Pencil Skirt

I do not have any occasion to wear sequins this new years eve - I don't know that I have ever had a reason to wear sequins on new years. This in no way keeps me from wanting all the shiny things. I found this skirt and thought I would share because it's a sequin skirt that isn't mini for under $25 - tough to find, I can tell you.

Plush Sequin Elastic Waist Skirt

Here are a few other shiny things that would be a great addition to any wardrobe:

Sequin Knit Cardigan

Sequin Blouse in White & Black

Sequins Jacket (major sale)

Crystals Sequins Satin-Finish Blouse

Rows of SequinsTop

Request: Mint Cocktail Dress

I recently got an email from Kristen. She is on the hunt for a mint dress to wear to her sister's wedding this summer. She asked if I could find something under $75. I found 8 somethings under $60. Boom.

1 - Mint Asymmetric Pleated Dress - Dorothy Perkins - $55.00
2 - Empire State of Mint Dress - Modcloth - $47.99
3 - Mint Round Neck Flare Dress - Dorothy Perkins- $44.00
4 - Sage of Aquarius Dress - Modcloth - $52.99
5 - About the Artist Dress in Mint - Modcloth - $52.99
6 - Jersey Knit Tiered Dress - Target - $24.99
7 - Work with Me Dress in Mint - Modcloth - $49.99
8 - Mint Lace Dress - Dorothy Perkins - $59.00

I was pretty surprised at the great options that came from Dorothy Perkins (never heard of that brand). If I had to pick my favorites I would say 1,3,4 & 8, but I like them all! What's your favorite? 

DIY: Heart Project Round Up

With Valentine's Day approaching, I am feeling an extra pull toward hearts (I am loving hearts anyway, but V-Day is a great excuse!)

I have rounded up 9 of my very favorite easy heart themed DIY project tutorials.

1 - Sequin Heart Shirt via Say Yes to Hoboken
2 - Painted Heart Bag via V and Co.
3 - Felted Heart Sweater via Say Yes to Hoboken
4 - Suede Shoulder Heart Patches via A Subtle Revelry
5 - Cross Stitch Heart Sweater - Me
6 - Heart Print Jeans via My Little Secret
7 - Make Your Own Heart Sweater via A Beautiful Mess
8 - Felted Wool Heart Elbow Patch via Honestly WTF
9 - Lace Heart Cardigan via Sincerely Kinsey

Have you attempted any of these? I am totally fascinated by the felted projects (3 & 8).

Request: Coral Bridesmaid Dress

I recently got this request from Monique,

Help!  I am a bridesmaid in Feb for a destination wedding in Mexico and in desperate need of a coral dress that is both cute and a reasonable price.  I love your great fashion sense and even better bargain eye. Can you point me to some suggestions? Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

She also sent this lovely image of a mismatching coral bridal party. 

{image source}

I scoured the web and came up with a bunch of options. They are all under $100 (with a few squeezing in under $35) and hope that she (and possibly her a fellow bridesmaid or two) can find what she's looking for.

1 - Oasis Fit & Flare Dress - Asos - $30.65 (Orig. $76.64)
2 - Kayla Dress in Silk Taffeta - J.Crew - $99.99 (Orig. $250.00)
3 - Max C Sheer Panel Dress - Asos - $33.21 (Orig. $93.67)
4 - Silk Dupioni V-Neck Bridesmaid Dress - Ann Taylor - $89.88 (Orig. $215.00)
5 - El Capitan Re-Make - Shabby Apple - $86.00
6 - Cap Sleeve Wrap Dress - Ann Taylor - $69.88 (Orig. $118)
7 - Warehouse Pleat Neck Dress - Asos - $71.53 (Orig. $102.18)
8 - Cap Sleeve Wrap Dress - Ann Taylor - $88.00
9 - A Wear Peplum Pencil Dress - Asos - $59.61

I think 4 & 6 are my favorites, but there are a lot of good options. Which would you pick?

Inspired: Ruche Bridal

Did you hear that Ruche has released a brand new bridal line? It's vintage inspired and budget friendly to boot. I was excited to find a few modest dresses. It got me thinking about what I would wear now if I were getting married. It would be something like this:

Audrey Tea Length Dress - $249.00
Ever Thine Taupe Fascinator - $42.99
Vintage Brooch Bouquet - Simply Bloom Photography
Romantic Soles Expo - $27.99

What about you? If you were getting married today, what would you want to wear? How different would it be from what you wore? Leave your thoughts below.

Jem Apparel Pop Up Store

Jenny is extending a special invitation to all my readers in Pennsylvania.

: What :

The very first j.e.m. apparel pop-up store

(an event where I set up a mini version of my “store” at a temporary location)

: Where :

Barnes & Noble at Bucknell University Bookstore,

400 Market Street,

Lewisburg, PA 17837

: When :

Monday, March 5th & Tuesday, March 6th

: Hours :

11am – 6pm

She will have over 40 new items, and will be introducing 2 new lines as well, so it’s going to be really exciting. If the event is a success, she hopes to start doing them all over the country at various campus bookstores.

And if you mention this blog at the event, you will receive 10% off your purchase. 

If you aren't lucky enough to attend the pop up store event, make sure to check out j.e.m.'s charming prints:

 

{dot tie blouse | gathered pocket skirt | scoop back blouse | buds & blossoms skirt | floral print trench}

{modern plaid skirt | ruched cap sleeve dress | floral sash skirt}

Savers VIP Preview Event {+ Giveaway}

*Giveaway Closed*

Hey All! Long time no blog, right? I have been super busy working on a summer business adventure with the hubs and snuggling with the babe. My apologies.

I wanted to let you all know about a fun opportunity that has presented itself to me. I am going to be styling employee/models at the upcoming Savers VIP Preview Event! They are opening a brand new savers here in Utah and it will be the first one within Salt Lake City limits. HOORAY!

And guess what? You can all join me at the VIP event! Here are the details:

And you 4 of you lucky readers can win a $20 gift certificate to Savers!

Here are the rules:

The winners will be determined by giving each entry a number and using random.org to select the winning number.

Anyone can enter (including you, anonymous readers). Just comment below with your name and a valid email address so I can contact you if you win.

Leave a comment {only one comment this time} telling me your favorite thrift store find.

The Giveaway ends on Thursday, July 14, at 10 PM (Mountain Standard Time).

I really hope to see you locals at the VIP event tomorrow! Make sure to come and say hello.

Shade Clothing: New Arrivals + Liquidation

Shade Clothing is continuing with their liquidations. They have had several local sales and are trying to move merchandise out of their stores quickly. I received an email this weekend telling me that they were still releasing a few new styles (online and in select stores) and that they had some new markdowns.

I was pretty impressed with the new items. I was reminded of some of the great things to come out of Shade over the past few years. This whole thing is such a shame.

Here are my favorite new arrivals:

Jersey Empire Dress - $32.99 (Orig. $36.50)
Striped Button Tee - $21.99 (Orig. $24.50) {reminds me a bit of Anthro's yardarm tee}
Ruffle Dress - $34.99 (Orig. $38.50) {also available in the delightful sky color}

What do you guys think? Any of these things catching your eye? Leave your thoughts below.


Happy Shopping.

Shade Provo Liquidation Sale

I saw this at the Shade Blog and thought I would share:

Going on now through Thursday, August 19, 2010
at Will's Pit stop just off University Aveunue.
Styles not available in stores or online.
Priced as low as $5!

Tuesday from 10:00 AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30AM - 6:00PM.
36 West 3700 North
Provo, UT 84604-4959

Do you think you'll head over to the sale?

Outfit Under 100 (Red White + Bicycle)

When I tell you that I have been stalking this skirt from Talbots for months, I am not exaggerating. I think the bikes are so quirky and fun, and shall I say it, anthro-esque {remember this bike-about outfit?} When I saw that my beloved skirt had finally dropped into what I deem to be "reasonable range", I absolutely had to build an outfit around it. I love the idea of wearing this skirt on the fourth.

Bicycle Embroidered Skirt - Talbots - $33.99 (Orig. $69.50)
Casual Scoop Neck Tee - Forever 21 - $2.50
Crimson Red Handmade Asymmetrical Necklace - TattieTats etsy shop - $17.99
Braided Leather Sandals - Forever 21 - $16.80
TOTAL: $71.28

What do you guys think of the bicycle skirt? Do you know what you are wearing for the weekend festivities? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

Style File: Susan {Photoshoot}

As you all know, I have been working with Susan of Freshly Picked on her wardrobe and styling.

This week she had a photo shoot with David Newkirk and needed to pick something to wear. As the shots would mostly be portraits, we were more concerned with what she was wearing from the waist up.

We are both really fond of stripes this season, so we did another ensemble using them. Here's what we came up with.



Boatneck Striped Top - Forever 21 - $10.50
Racerback Button Front Vest - Charlotte Russe - $25.00
Skinny Leather Belt - Shade - $10.50
TOTAL: $46.00

We placed the skinny belt at the waist again (over the buttoned up vest), because this highlights one of Susan's best assets.

You can check out the results at Freshly Picked this afternoon.

What do you guys think? Is this something you would wear?

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

PS - My giveaway will be posted this afternoon. Make sure to come back and enter!

Reader Request: Family Pictures

My good friend, Erin (whom you can all thank for encouraging me to start this blog), emailed me recently asking for some help,

We're getting family pics in a few weeks and I wanted to know how I should accessorize my outfit, or if I should choose a new outfit altogether ... I got the Shade striped scoop neck 3/4 sleeve with cuff in khaki and the poplin button skirt in off white. The lady at the store said I should add color with a long necklace and some strap-y sandals. I wanted your good taste to weigh-in on the issue. And, of course I'm a cheap-o, so I'm not into spending lots of $. I feel like I already spent too much on the shirt and skirt. Anyway, thanks for your help whenever you get the chance!

Family pictures are one of the most daunting fashion choices I can think of. What you wear will be documented forever. It freaks me out just as much as anyone else.

I looked around for a pair of shoes and accessories to help Erin make the most of her neutral backdrop:


Striped Scoop-Neck 3/4 Sleeve Cuff - Shade - $21.50
Poplin Button Skirt - Shade - $30.80 (Orig. $38.50)
Aqua Flower Necklace - Charlotte Russe - $8.99
Peep-Toe Wedges - Old Navy - $20.00 (Orig. $24.50)
TOTAL: $81.29
TOTAL for Erin: $28.99

I thought it best to add a pop with the shoes and necklace. I think the accessories will easily mix and match with the rest of anyone's wardrobe.

Is this something you would wear? Any personal tips to share on wardrobe choices for family pictures?

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

PS- Tomorrow I'll have a giveaway! Don't miss it!

Style File: Susan {Beehive Bazaar}

As I mentioned last week, I have been working with Susan of Freshly Picked on her wardrobe and styling. Last week, she and I had the opportunity to get her ready for a DownEast Basics news segment (watch or read about the segment).

This week, Susan is anxiously preparing for the Beehive Bazaar. We have been discussing outfit ideas for craft shows, as she is busy with these all summer long. We thought that this time she should go with a simple striped shirt, brightly colored skinny belt (worn at the waist), simple black flats, and a fun hair accessory. It's a comfortable outfit and consists of things that Susan already has.

Get the look for yourself (& see how Susan wore it):


Mossimo Striped Boat Neck Top - Target - $12.99
Flower Hair Pin - DownEast Basics - $3.99
Skinny Leather Belt - Shade - 2 for $15 (Orig. $10.50)
Charles Albert Cobra Flat - Endless - $19.95
TOTAL: $44.43

Are you planning to head to the Beehive Bazaar?


Susan will be there on Wednesday night. Drop by and say hello.
What do you think of the outfit? Is this something you would wear?

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

{If you are interested in hiring me as a personal style consultant, email me for rates}

Check it Out: Sales & Such

A few things worth mentioning before the weekend:

Edit: Old Navy is offering 30% off select items in their store through the weekend (ends May 2). To get the deal online use code: ONBIG30.

Also, Shade is having a Mother’s Day Local Designer Market at their store in American Fork:


Susan will be there with her ridiculously awesome goods. So, if you have a chance I would check it out!

Also, don't forget that the LOFT is discounting all of their clearance an extra 50%! (In store only).

Any happenings you want to share? Planning on hitting any sales? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading,

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Reader Request: Bridesmaid Ensemble

I got this email from Paige this week,

Hi there...I saw this outfit for bridesmaids in Martha Stewart Weddings and would love it if I could find some cheaper alternatives. Could you help me? ... Thank you for your help.

Paige


{$569, via Martha Stewart Weddings}
As a side note does anyone else recognize that model as Holly, the winner of Bravo's Make Me a Supermodel? I am such a sucker for modeling competitions.

I think this ensemble is adorable - the shrug, the shoes!

I found a few pieces to echo the feel:


Metallic Satin Shrug - Forever 21 - $15.80
Silk Tricotine Robin Short Dress - J.Crew - $69.99 (Orig. $195.00)
Satin Finish Rhinestone Heel - $24.99
Navy Puff Brooch/Hair Clip (2) - $15.00 x 2 = $30
TOTAL: $140.70

I know it is more than I usually do for an outfit, but it's formal attire and if you take into account the discount on the dress, I think it's a pretty amazing deal.

What do you think of this look? Is it something you would wear or something you would want a bridesmaid to wear? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

40% Off All Purchases at Ann Taylor!

Today I received new of an incredible promotion over at Ann Taylor. They are offering 40% off all purchases (sale or full-priced, available in store or online). This never happens, seriously:


Here's a few beautiful things I wouldn't mind taking home:


1 - Shiny Pleat Shoulder Top - $22.80 (Orig. $38)
2 - Sequin Stripe Tee - $22.80 (Orig. $38)
3 - Grosgrain Flower Tee - $26.40 (Orig. $44)
4 - Bow Front Cardigan - $34.80 (Orig. $58)

Are you guys as stoked about this sale as I am? What do you think of the picks? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

SLC Blogger Meet Up

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending a Utah Blogger Meet-Up and it was so amazingly fantastic.

Here's a group shot from the meet-up (if you want to see more shots, check A Running Commentary & Fresh Brownies) :

{bloggers from left to right}
Feathers Flights
Clothed Much
The Nearest Future
The Secondhand Life
Once Womacks
All This Knavery
Gangster Pixie
Freshly Picked
A Running Commentary
Fresh Brownies
I had such a great time getting to know some fellow local bloggers. It's awesome to meet people who write blogs you admire and read regularly, and to discover that they are super cool and down to earth. And to top it all off, I won a $10 gift card to Uptown Cheapskate. I had a ridiculously great time!

Thanks so much to Elaine and Meg for putting this together. They say they are having another one soon, you guys coming?

You're Invited: Matilda Jane Trunk Show

My friend, Lauren, is hosting a Matilda Jane Trunk show next week, and asked if I would extend the invitation to all of you:


*YOU ARE INVITED TO A TRUNK SHOW*

Matilda Jane

SPRING LINE:

HAMMOND BAY COLLECTION

You will not want to miss this showing of the MOST exclusive line of Children and Women's Clothing.

You and your little ones will LOVE this collection of colorful, fresh and unique clothing and accessories.

Lauren will be opening her home for a trunk show of this Spring's Collection on:

Thursday, March 25th 6-8pm
Come By Anytime for this Casual Showing of Precious Clothing.

Hope to see you there!

1428 Circle Way, SLC UTAH 84103

Reader Request: Accesorizing a Formal

Recently, I received this request from Anjali,

I'm attending our graduate school formal event, basically grown-up prom, next month and need help finding accessories to my dress. I bought this dress from white house black market and want to wear green/turquoise/gold accessories to match a bracelet I have, but am having trouble finding sophisticated looking jewelry to match.


Ottoman Dress with Bow - White House Black Market - $49.99 (Orig. $150.00) - excellent find, Anjali!

Here is what I came up with to accessorize her beautiful dress:


Jeweled Teardrop Earrings - Forever 21 - $5.80
Sparkling Jewel Bangle - Forever 21 - $6.80
Flowers Clutch with Rose - Endless - $20.00

What do you all think of the picks? Any tips for accessorizing for a formal event? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!