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. 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.

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?

Inspired: J.Crew Looks We Love {January}

The second the ball drops, fashion looks to spring. Even though I won't be wearing skirts until May, I am kind of excited to lighten up my wardrobe. I just love dressing for the seasons - there is always something to look forward to.

Unfortunately, some of my very favorite pieces from these looks are seriously pricey. I found a these pieces inspired by the J.Crew looks for a great price.

1 - Split-V Neck Button-Down Blouse - $17.39 (Orig. $58.00)
2 - Doubleweave Pencil Skirt - $22.99
3 - Cropped Trench Coat - $31.99 (Orig. $64.00)
4 - Floral Jacquard Cigarette Trousers - $20.00 (Orig. $84.00)
5 - Cropped Blazer in Ponte with Notch Detail - $31.76 (Orig. $63.52)
6 - Cool Cat Sunglasses - $16.00
7 - Meg Chunky Heel Pumps - Leopard - $14.98 (Orig. $29.99)
8 - Cotton Modal-Blend Striped T-Shirt - $14.99 (Orig. $34.99)

Spied: Chiffon A-Line Skirt

I spotted this sweet chiffon skirt at Forever 21 and wanted to share.

 

Chiffon A-Line Skirt - Forever 21 - $22.80

I think the color and weight are perfect for summer.

As I have mentioned F21 has done a surprisingly good job of keeping modest skirts in stock.

Here is the latest batch (all under $25):

Leopard Print Tulip Skirt 

Essential Eyelet Skirt 

Solid High-Low Skirt 

Neon Trimmed Pencil Skirt 

Striped Knee Length Skirt 

J.Crew Factory: 40% Off

J.Crew Factory online was just the best idea. I don't live near outlets anymore, and having access to the slightly less expensive variations on J.Crew is a very good thing. It's even better when they offer an additional 40% off their sale items. Here are my favorite finds:

1 - Chambray Popover - $26.70 (Orig. $68.00)
2 - Printed Pencil Skirt in Stretch Cotton - $35.70 (Orig. $85.00)
3 - Factory Stripe Knit Pocket Blazer - $29.70 (Orig. $98.00)
4 - Fireball Stud Earrings - $11.70 (Orig. $22.50)
5 - Skinny Calf Hair Belt - $14.70 (Orig. $39.50)
6 - Factory Skimmer Pant - $26.70 (Orig. $59.50)
7 - Printed Scoopneck Blouse - $20.99 (Orig. $78.00)
8 - Boatneck Tie-Waist Dress - $11.70 (Orig. $59.50)
9 - Classic Crewneck Cardigan in Leopard - $14.99 (Orig. $74.50)

Don't forget to enter MOREPLEASE at check out to get the discount.

Our Life: Family Photo Shoot

I mentioned last week that we had a few family pictures taken. My friend Amy, owner of eddy flower photography, was kind enough to take them and I couldn't be happier. Make sure to check out her portfolio.

Here are a few of my favorites:

 

on me:

refashioned heart top - $5 | similar here | here | and here

thrifted red pencil skirt - $2.50 | similar here | and here

  banana republic leopard belt - gift | similar here | here | and here

ann taylor wedges - gift

on Tate:

carters button up - gift | similar here 

carters pants - gift | similar here 

gap outlet shoes - $10 | similar here | here (on sale) | and here

bow tie - DIY | similar here | here | and here

on Steve: 

gap outlet cardigan - $25 | similar here (on sale) | here | and here

 plaid tie - $10 | similar here | and here

express photographer dress pants - $50

Must Have: Animal Prints

I am loving animal prints lately. I don't mean leopard and cheetah (though I am really in to those too), I mean repeating silhouette prints. They give some of the same punch of a large polka dot with an extra kick of whimsy, and I love me some whimsy.

1 - Ditsy Swan Cardigan - $22.80
2 - Longline Ditsy Feline Sweater - $22.80
3 - Ditsy Horse Print Pullover - $17.80
4 - Ditsy Elephant Sweater - $22.80
5 - Soaring Bird Print Sweater - $22.80
6 - Ditsy Horse Print Button Up - $19.80

I like them all, but I think I am partial to the horse print blouse. What's your favorite?

Spied: Softest Crew Neck Sweater + 20% Off

I've always been a sucker for an animal print. I try to stick to the leopard/cheetah varieties because I once heard Michael Kohrs say they were classic & wouldn't seem dated like a giraffe or zebra might in a few years. It seemed like a good guideline.

I have some leopard print shoes, but am dying to add some bigger scale items into the mix.  

Softest Crew-Neck Sweater - Old Navy - $23.95 $29.94

Old Navy is offering an extra 20% off all online purchases until the end of the day. Use coupon code ONTAKE20.

Spied: Odell Ballet Flat

Now that I am a mom, I have a healthy collection of heels that are gathering dust. I still love heels and break them out on Sundays and for special occasions, but in my day to day life flats are the way to go.

I have a pair of these in floral and they are the best thing ever.

Odell Ballet Flats in Cheetah - Target - $14.99
(also available in gold, mid-brown, glitter, black, and bronze)

I have long held a special place in my heart for cheetah and leopard prints. Somehow they can work as a neutral and provide some punch.

Here are a few of my other favorite animal print shoes right now:

Sueded Leopard Ballet Flat

Verona Wedge in Leopard

Vianca Tuxedo Flat in Cheetah

 Shortcake Heels with Peep Toe 

Madge Cap Toe Flat

Fall Wish List

Sometimes I am not a very good shopper. I always find a deal, don't get me wrong, but that's part of the problem. Sometimes I get sucked into buying something I don't need because it's a good deal.

After my last closet purge, I have decided to change how I approach shopping. Rather than going shopping with absolutely nothing specific in mind, I will have a running list of things I need or want in my mind ahead of time.

In honor of this decision, here's my fall wish list.

Two-Tone Skinny Belt
Purple Skinny Jeans
Gold Statement Necklace
Plaid Woven Shirt

Riding Boot

Knee Length Leopard Print Skirt

What's on your fall wish list?

Spied: J.Crew Seersucker Ruffle Underwire Tank

I know the end of August isn't the traditional time to buy swimwear, but it is the best time to score the fabulous deals. There are so many great suits at J.Crew right now, and this little lady is at the top of my wishlist.

Seersucker Ruffle Underwire Tank - $42.00 $59.99 (Orig. $82.00)

Here are a few other J.Crew things I have had my eye on lately:

Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean in Garment-Dyed Twill  

Stripe Back-Zip Tee  

 Antique Paisley Ruched Bandeau Tank

Long No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Abstract Leopard  

Smocked Top in Dapple Dot  

Remember J.Crew is offering customers 30% off all final sale items (no minimum) with promo code LOVEIT. The offer expires Thursday.

Must Have: Patterened Denim

I have gone on and on about how much I like floral denim, but it doesn't stop there. I am a big fan of patterned pants, in general.  I found these pairs and wanted to share.

Polka Dot Denim Skinnies - Forever 21 - $24.80
Sueded Leopard Print Skinnies - Forever 21 - $29.80

I think the polka dot pants are a great starting point for someone who has shied away from the trend because the pattern is subtle and the colors are neutral.

What do you think? Would you wear these?

Spied: Pleated Bird Print Skirt

I was perusing new arrivals at Forever 21, and got excited when I saw this skirt. 

I think the print is so fun (and reminiscent of higher price stores).

Pleated Bird Print Skirt - Forever 21 - $19.80

As I have mentioned F21 does a surprisingly good job of keeping modest skirts in stock.

Here is the latest batch (all under $25):

 

Exclusive Design Buttoned Ottoman Skirt  

Striped Bandage Skirt

Exclusive Design Leopard Print Pencil Skirt  

 Full Knee Length Skirt

Faux Leather Trimmed Skirt 

 

Many of the skirts I have featured in the past are still in stock. 

Click here to see other posts in this series.

Spied: Purple Medallion Cardigan

You may have noticed a lack of cardigans on the blog lately. Maybe you haven't noticed it, but I sure have felt it. You see, where I live is just too darn hot for layering most of the time and it has left me feeling a little bit heart broken. I still love you cardigan, I just can't wear you until October.

In case you had a hankering for a pretty cardi, I found this lovely number and it's on sale:

Merona Ultimate Crew Neck Cardigan Sweater - Target - $15 (Orig. $23)

{available in several pretty colors and prints}

And because I can't say no to a good printed cardi, here are a few of my faves (under $20):

Classic Floral Cardigan

Slim-fit Leopard Print Knit Cardigan (major sale)

Polka Dot Cardigan

Rugby Striped Cardigan

Heart Pattern Cardigan

Spied: Pleated Buttoned Midi Skirt

I spotted this lovely knee length number at Forever 21 and wanted to share.

Pleated Buttoned Midi Skirt - Forever 21 - $22.80

I think the color is great for summer and would work it's way into a fall wardrobe wonderfully.

As I have mentioned F21 has done a surprisingly good job of keeping modest skirts in stock.

Here is the latest batch (all under $20):

Leopard Knee Length Skirt

Scalloped Lace Skirt

Striped Pencil Skirt w/ Belt  

Buttoned Polka Dot Skirt

Many of the skirts I have featured in the past are still in stock. 
Click here to see other posts in this series.

Spied: Old Navy Animal Print Blouses

This is the post in which I proclaim Old Navy is killing it. First with the adorable dresses, and now these? I am totally into small scale animal prints (I'm talking animal shapes, not leopard spots here). Birds, kittens, and puppies, oh my!

Bird-Print Charmeuse Blouse - $36.94
Bow-Back Animal Print Top - $34.94

What do you think? Something you would wear? Leave your thoughts below.

Sale: J.Crew 50% Off Clearance

 Edit: J.Crew is offering up to 50% off in their clearance section (online only). Check out my favs:

1 - Mohair Cardigan in Leopard - $69.99 (Orig. $110.00)
2 - Flair Skirt in Floating Rose - $89.99 (Orig. $168.00)
3 - Vintage Cotton Lace Tee - $39.99 (Orig. $54.50)
4 - High-Waisted Skinny Cord - $59.99 (Orig. $89.50)
5 - Skinny Glitter Belt - $19.99 (Orig. $29.50)
6 - Suzette Blouse - $69.99 (Orig. $128.00)
7 - Vintage Matchstick Cord - $59.99 (Orig.$79.50)
8 - Pocket Polka-Dot Tank - $29.99 (Orig. $39.50)
9 - Café Capri in Harvest Tweed - $99.99 (Orig. $148.00)

MY APOLOGIES! I misread J.Crew's email. The prices are as marked and I have corrected the prices in this post.

Look For Less: J.Crew {Stripes + Leopard}

I am such a sucker for a kelly green + navy pairing (especially when there are striped involved!) I saw this look on J.Crew's website and had to recreate it:

{$738.50}

The 7th Avenue Sateen Slim Crop - New York & Co. - $42.95
Essential Striped Sweater - Forever 21 - $12.80
Leopard Handbag - Tilly's - $17.95
Harris Leather & Canvas Wedge Sandals - Asos - $24.17 ($80.57)
    {I also like these shoes}
total: $97.87

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

Look for Less: Alice + Olivia Leopard Print Blouse

I saw this last week, and thought I would share:

Alice + Olivia 'Brazil' Leopard Print Blouse - Nordstrom - $250.00
Leopard-Print Blouse - Old Navy - $25.99 (Orig. $29.50)

I haven't seen the Old Navy blouse in person, but the pattern doesn't read perfectly to me online. It almost reminds me of camo.... What do you think of the pattern? Is this something you would wear? Leave your thoughts below.