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.

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

What's the Skinny?

Lizney had an itch for some new skinny belts. But not just any belts, she wanted some with a little extra something, like an animal print. J.Crew sells belts like these for a pretty penny.


(Cheetah Calf-hair Belt - $68, Tortoise Patent-leather Belt - $39.50, Skinny Cheetah Calf-hair Belt - $55)
Here are a few skinny belts that you don't have to forgo buying groceries for:


1 - Zebra Skinny Belt Set (of 2) - Forever 21 - $4.50
2 - Skinny Leopard Belt - Forever 21 - $4.80
3 - Mave Belt Set (of 4) - Alloy - $24.90
4 - Faux Leather Skinny Belt - Forever 21 - $2.50
5 - Skinny Metallic Belt - American Eagle - $6.95 (Orig. $24.50)
6 - Leopard Kinny Belt Set (of 2) - Forever 21 - $4.50
7 - Superskinny Pearlized Patent Belt - J.Crew - $14.99 (Orig. $24.50)

What do you all think? Do you wear skinny belts? How about animal prints? Together? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

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?

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.

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?

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.

Like a Star: Jayma Mays Nest Cover

I spotted this picture over at What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear, which featured a sneak peak into Jayma Mays' recent cover shoot. This was one of the outfits among the shots and I fell in love with it's graphic simplicity.

Here's my budget version:

Long Sleeve Striped Sweater Top - Forever 21 - $13.80
Merona® Euna Pumps - Cheetah  - Target - $24.99 (these leopard flats are also a great option)
PARIS BLUES Ultra Skinny Five Pocket Jeans - 15 Dollar Store - $15.00 (Orig. $34.00)
total:  $53.79

As a side note, I have posted on the 15 Dollar Store in the past, but it's been awhile since I highlighted the store. They offer broad selection of name brand junior clothing which can be found at well known department stores at full price for just $15. It's worth a look.

What do you think of the outfit? Is this something you would wear? Leave your thoughts below.

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?

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?

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: 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.

Go Bold

I read an interesting post over at Already Pretty (that I found via academichic). It was full of advice on how to be fabulous. But, my favorite thing said was this:

Go bold:
Choose hefty accessories, wild prints, statement shoes. Chunky, funky, and fantastic. And give not a moment's thought to whether or not you can pull it off - believe that you can, and you can.

I love it, every word. And I try to do this (especially with accessories) every day. Here are a few bold things I am digging:


1 - Jeweled Medallions Necklace - $6.80 - Forever 21
2 - Paisley Lucite Bangle - $4.80 - Forever 21
3 - Fab Canvas Floral Wallet - $9.80 - Forever 21
4 - Leopard Kitten Heel - $13.99 - GOjane
5 - Knotted Serpentine Necklace - $7.80 - Forever 21
6 - Patent Heel - $16.99 (orig. $19.99) - GOjane


1 - Satin Floral Pleat Dress - $24.80 -Forever 21
2 - Fab Colored Skinny Jean - $13.50 - Forever 21
3 - Arlene Chiffon Top - $15.80 - Forever 21
4 - Ikat Slvls Top - $12.80 - Forever 21
5 - Doreen Printed Dress - $19.80 - Forever 21
6 - Fab Straight Leg Color Jean - $12.50 - Forever 21

So what do you guys think about going bold? Do you do it? Do you wish you did? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

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)

My 5 Essentials

A few weeks ago, my friend Amanda sent me a link to a Today show feature about every woman's 5 fashion must-haves. If you want to watch the video, the link is here.

Their list:
1. Statement Dress, not in black
2. Statement jewelry: cuffs, big chunky necklace
3. Statement shoes that "elevate the outfit"
4. Statement handbag, not in black
5. Awesome jeans

I read through this and decided that I don't own a dress I love, heck, I barely have a dress that I like. Also, I don't feel like my handbag is all that essential. (Although it is apple green and big enough to carry a small child, so I guess that makes a statement...) So, here is my list, customized just for me. A little footprint of my wardrobe if you will.



1. Patterned Tank
You might be thinking, "Really? Essential?". Yes ma'am. I have a few of these and they are truly staples of my wardrobe. (Those of you who know me, can attest to this). I layer them under tees, sweaters, cardigans. Tuck them into pencil skirts, belt them. They add an extra punch to every outfit, and I feel fabulous every time I wear them.

2. Neutral Cardigan
I have an undying love for cardigans (which my older brother has suggested I inherited from my father... and maybe I did). I wear them ALL the time. I have them in every color of the rainbow, in different weights, lengths, and patterns. Never underestimate the cardigan.

3. Darkwash Jeans
I wear dark wash denim nearly every day. I wear trouser jeans and boot cut jeans at work and skinny jeans much of the rest of the time. I also believe that it is the most universally flattering wash.

4. Belt
You all probably know this, but I wear belts all the time. My waist is a part of my body that I really like, so I like to wear belts to show it off. I also love that belts make my wardrobe so much more versatile.

5. Statement Shoe
I love to wear shoes that say something; whether through a bright color, pattern or cut. The other day I was in the ladies room at work, and when I came out of the stall a coworker said, "I should have known it was you." I was wearing leopard print wedges. This was one thing the Today Show's list was right on about; a great shoe can change an entire outfit (and how you feel in it!)

What are your 5 essentials? Think about it then leave a comment!

I am hoping that my wonderful guest bloggers will be telling you about their 5 essentials in the next coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

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.

Inspired: Family Photo Session

Some of you may remember the red dress styling tips post I did last month. The other day, I was cruising through Jackie's photo blog and I found this adorable family photo session.

{courtesy of Jackie Norris Photography}
Her outfit totally inspired me to do another post on that red dress. Here are the pieces I think will give the feel of her outfit:


Mesh Up Hair Clip - Forever 21 - $2.50
Leopard 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan - Forever 21 - $22.80
Mossimo Ruffle Braid Dress - Target - $24.99
Cailey Slingback Flat - Payless - $12.99 {part of the double payless sale fiesta}
TOTAL: $63.28

What do you think of this look, because I am kind of in love with it.

Thanks for reading,

Happy Shopping!

PS - I am going to be unveiling a whole new layout tomorrow and I will be hosting an awesome giveaway, so make sure to check back then!

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.