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

DIY: Floral Cross Stitch Sweater

Ever since I made my heart cross stitch sweater I have been looking for another way to implement cross stitching into apparel. I just love the way this turned out.

Go Get It: Forever 21 {No. 1}

I post a lot about sales. I love finding discounted gems at J.Crew and Anthro but sometimes I forget to post about retailers that have great prices all the time. I am going to start a new series doing just that. I will spotlight some of my best finds at stores like Forever 21, Target, and Old Navy.

We start with Forever 21. Here are some of my favorite things they have in stock:

1 - Posh Bejeweled Statement Necklace - $11.80
2 - Garden Chic Top - $19.80
3 - Classic Faux Suede Pumps - $15.80
4 - Bird of Paradise Blazer - $27.80
5 - Iconic Faux Leather Ballet Flats - $22.80
6 - Rich Bouquet Woven Top - $14.80
7 - Go-To D'Orsay Wedges - $32.80
8 - Feeling Festive Sequined Sweater - $22.80
9 - Striking Multi-Layer Bead Necklace - $19.80

This Week {No. 29}

Here are a few snapshots from this last week:

Here are a few links to take you into the weekend:

I am on the hunt for the perfect spring jacket & I think this Anthro option is fantastic (on sale)

I want everything I own to be covered in floral, starting with this skirt.

Loving these drugstore makeup suggestions from Carmindy.

I am surprised by how much I like this neutral statement necklace.

It is my firm position that it isn't possible to own too many pairs floral shoes.

I just finished this fascinating book for book club.

Don't forget today is the last day to unter the Lalabu giveaway!

I am hoping to finally finish hanging the artwork in our dining room. Maybe. 

What are you up to this weekend?

Inspired: J.Crew Looks We Love {Spring Neutrals}

When I think of spring fashion, the first thing to come to mind are florals and pastels. But I was pleasantly surprised how much I like the selection of cool neutrals that J.Crew put out with this month's looks we love.

Speaking of J.Crew, they are currently offering an extra 40% off their clearance section (with select items available at 50% off).

Here are my favorite finds (all under $30):

liberty toothpick jean in matilda tulip floral

polka-dot underwire one-piece

tipped silk tee in diamond tile (extra 50% off)

jackie cardigan

prima jersey drop-shoulder tee in stripe

Use coupon code YAYSALE for the discount.

A Picture is Worth {No. 2}

By fashion contributor Mary.

I know I'm about the one millionth person to say this, but I'm ready for winter to be O V E R. (I live in the South, so you'd think I could catch a break from all the cold, but no. No no no no no.)

The image I picked for this week's post embodies everything I'm looking forward to about spring: light layers, colorful accessories, sandals. I'm practically drooling, imagining weather warm enough for strappy shoes.

Speaking of drool, did you notice the yellow leather bag and those mint heels? I mean, really. The hardest part of recreating the outfit was finding a similar top, but then I stumbled on this gorgeous J. Crew Factory blouse. It's not technically a tropical print, and it's not a button-down, but I think it has the same feel:

jeans || shoes

sunglasses {these are also awesome}

top {I think these two are great as well}

bag {this one is my favorite, and here is another good option}

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

Spied: Asos Midi Dress in Floral Stripe

This dress is just the sweetest thing ever. I've seen it in person, and it might be even more adorable. And to top it off it's more than half off:

Midi Dress In Floral Stripe Print - $31.05 (Orig. $79.04)

ASOS has quite a few knee length dresses under $35 right now.
Here are a few good ones: 

Club L Floral Printed Smock Dress (80% off)

Thistle Print Midi Dress  (great print)

Skater Dress In Spot Print With Zip Front (adorable)

Pencil Dress With Leather Look Panels

Vila Stripe Knitted Dress (under $20)

As always, I am super impressed with ASOS's selection.

Don't forget they offer free shipping (& returns) on everything. 

Giveaway: Lalabu Soothe Shirt

 

When I was pregnant with Simone, I discovered (through a sweet reader) the Lalabu Soothe Shirt. I was head over heels with the idea and couldn't wait to get my hands on one.

The Soothe Shirt has no ties or straps - simply wear it all day like a shirt so it’s always there when you need it. The secure pouch calms newborns and the built-in nursing bra makes breastfeeding easy. It's pretty ingenious. Simone and I used this thing for the first 8 weeks - and I actually cried when she was too big for it (which happened sooner than I hoped because she's a big baby).

If you are thinking about having a baby, pregnant, have a newborn, or think you'll have another baby someday, you are going to want one - I promise. 

Lucky you, Lalabu is offering a soothe shirt to one lucky winner (open to US residents only).

Here are the rules:

• Visit Lalabu & tell me what color you like best and leave a comment (with a valid email address).
• Bonus entry through Instagram. Find the details here.

The Giveaway ends on Friday, March 7, at 10 PM (Central Time).