Spied: Aztec T-Shirt Midi Dress

Lately, I have had a bit of an epiphany. I am willing to spend more on dresses than other pieces of clothing. Maybe this is obvious to everyone else, but dresses count as a top and a bottom, so I should be willing to spend up to twice as much on them as other tops and bottoms.

In that spirit, I have fallen in love with this dress. It's not $15, but is definitely still a good value.

T-Shirt Midi Dress In Aztec - ASOS - $45.45

I am dying over the print and easy fit.

ASOS has quite a few modest dresses under $40 right now. Here are a few good ones:

Motel Indiana Silhouette Rose Chiffon Knee Dress

Vero Moda Midi Dress

Knitted Midi Dress With Waisted Zip Back

Midi Dress with Pockets

As always, I am super impressed with ASOS's selection.
Don't forget they offer free shipping on everything.

Tutorial: Scalloped Hem Skirt

After the positive reaction I received on yesterday's post, I couldn't help but put a tutorial together. Make sure the skirt you are starting with is 2"-3" longer than you want the finished length to be.

1. Pick out the hem on your skirt and iron it flat.
2. Leave the skirt right side out. Fold 2"-3" of fabric out and pin it in place.
3. Using a round template (I used a cup with a 3" diameter) and a marking pen, draw your scallop pattern.
4. Carefully follow your template with the sewing machine.
5. Trim excess fabric, making sure to cut as high as possible between each scallop.
6. Flip the scallops in and press with high heat and steam.

Refashion: Scalloped Hem Skirt

I thrifted this mint colored skirt a few months ago. It was too long and a little more A-line that I would like. At first, I just intended to take the sides in and shorten the skirt, but I had a stroke of inspiration in deciding to scallop the hem.

I just love how it turned out:

j.crew factory crosstown tee - $6.50 | similar here | here | here | and here (on sale)

thrifted mint skirt - $2

thrifted vintage heels - $7 | similar here | and here

j.crew belt - $1.50 | another option here

hair tutorial

I found this great Megan Nielsen tutorial for a reversible scallop hem skirt from scratch to be helpful.

I don't expect this to be my last scallop project, so next time I'll try to have more of a tutorial. 

Click here for my full tutorial.

Have you refashioned anything lately? Leave a link so we can all check it out!

Wish List: J.Crew Patricia Dress

In adore this whole look.

{shop dress}

What's on your wish list right now?

PS - I am loving J.Crew's Spring Style Guide

Review: Old Navy Crossover Dolman-Sleeve Dress

Last weekend I got sucked into a shopping trip at Old Navy. They gave me a $30 off coupon, with the requirement of buying $60 worth of merchandise. So, I went hunting.

At first glance, this dress didn't do much for me, but it was knee-length and nursing accessible, oh and it was $7.50 (you can't beat that!), so I tried it on. And loved it.

Crossover Dolman-Sleeve Dress - $15.99 (Orig. $29.94) *look in store for a better price

The only down side is the front is a bit floppy. It shows everything when you move so I have mine pinned shut, with the long term plan of sewing in an invisible snap (like this).

I ended up buying both the red and blue with the intention of shortening the sleeves of the blue one.

I also splurged on these shoes and I am loving them.

Do any of you have the dress? What do you think?

Sale: New at Anthropologie

Anthropologie added a slew of things to their sale section this week. Here are my favorite finds.

1 - A Novel Tee - $39.95 (Orig. $68.00)
2 - Mod Garden Dress - $49.95 (Orig. $198.00)
3 - Broken Pleats Skirt - $39.95 (Orig. $148.00) *also in navy
4 - Inked Flora Skirt - $29.95 (Orig. $118.00) *more colors
5 - Cinch & Flow Maxi Chemise - $49.95 (Orig. $78.00) *more colors
6 - Strung Symmetry Pullover - $29.95 (Orig. $58.00) *more colors
7 - Darlene Dobby Skirt - $29.95 (Orig. $88.00) *also in navy
8 - Starling Trousers - $29.95 (Orig. $118.00)
9 - Pleated Chevron Scoopneck - $29.95 (Orig. $48.00) *more colors

I desperately want that chevron maxi dress. And how cute is the print on the novel tee? Love it.

What do you think? Anything you are thinking of buying?

Trend: Knee Length Skirts

As I mentioned before, I get really excited when I find modest dresses and skirts at the mall. Once again, Forever 21 has a great selection of things to the knee and beyond.

1 -Accordion Striped Skirt - $19.80
2 - Mosaic Handkerchief Hem Maxi Skirt w/ Belt - $22.80
3 - Matelasse Midi Skirt - $12.80
4 - Bold Floral High-Low Skirt - $17.80
5 - Calf Length Skirt - $19.80
6 - Polka Dot Calf Skirt - $19.80

I think my favorite is the high-low floral skirt. Adorable.

Check out my last set of modest finds at Forever 21 here.

What do you think? Which is your favorite?

Snapshots: The Storm

If you follow me on twitter, you may have seen me freaking out about the crazy face weather we had in South Texas yesterday. It started with a long night of Tate being restless and an epic thunderstorm, only to be woken up by an early morning phone call informing me that a good friend's house had been hit by a tornado. Yeah, did not see that coming. (They are all safe, but the house sustained a fair amount of damage and flooding.)

As the morning continued it went from rainy to down right scary. The garage started to flood and the ditch in front of the house filled with water faster than a bath tub. Before I knew it the entire front yard was submerged.

And then, the rain slowed and the water retreated. Just like that.

I have never been more relieved.

Also, on a random side note. This is my 1,000 post.
How that is possible, I have no idea. But thanks for making it happen.

Spied: Orange Gem Layered Statement Necklace

Spotted a lovely statement necklace at a fabulous price, and just had to share.

Orange-Gem Layered Necklace - Charlotte Russe - $5 for a limited time! $10.50 

{A very similar option is available in a very pretty blue}

What do you think?

Thrift: Cropped Coral Slacks

I hit up the goodwill last week in search of another floral pair of pants to refashion, and I stumbled on these coral cropped slacks. I was amazed at how well they fit - it's not often I thrift anything that fits like a glove. That should be my new goal, because my sewing pile is large enough.

I am especially happy with how the backside of these fit. I can just imagine Stacy and Clinton turning me around and commenting on the lovely lift these pants give me. (Did anyone else used to obsessively watch What Not to Wear?)

old navy tee - $5 | similar here | here | here | and here

  thrifted slacks - $6 | another option here | and here 

thrifted vintage heels - $7 | similar here | here | and here

j.crew belt - $1.50 | another option here

vintage bracelet - inherited | similar here | and here

hair tutorial

What do you think? Have you thrifted anything good lately?

Sale: J.Crew Factory Clearance

I know I did a J.Crew sale post yesterday, but I just had to tell you about the amazing deals at the J.Crew Factory store (which is only open on the weekends).

Here are some of my favorite finds:

1 - Factory short-sleeve blouse in printed eyelet - $9.50 (Orig. $49.50)
2 - Factory ink dots tee - $14.50 (Orig. $34.50) 
3 - Factory short-sleeve pocket top - $24.99 (Orig $59.50)
4 - Factory polka-dot crosstown tee - $9.50 (Orig. $36.50) {also available in solid}
5 - Factory Bronwyn canvas hobo - $38.00 (Orig. $128.00)
6 - Factory floral waterfall top - $9.50 (Orig. $69.50)
7 - Factory skinny belt - $10.00 (Orig. $24.50)
8 - Factory stripe button-back tee - $16.50 (Orig. $36.50)
9 - Factory short-sleeve blouse in eyelet - $24.50 (Orig. $49.50)

And according to Angela, the 30% off discount code also works on factory sale purchases. The code is SHOPNOW.

I am really considering the crosstown tee (in solids + dots), I can't say no nursing friendly tees!

What do you think? Anything you are thinking about getting?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sale: Extra 30% Off at J.Crew

J.Crew is offering an extra 30% off of their sale selection. I am especially happy about the sale because they have unusually good prices before applying the discount.

1 - Drapey Sequin Tank - $13.99 (Orig. $78.00)
2 - Lace Necklace Tee - $6.99 (Orig. $45.00) {available in a whole host of colors}
3 - Pintuck Lace-Front Henley - $13.99 (Orig. $65.00)
4 - Jersey Maxiskirt - $27.99 (Orig. $69.50)
5 - Linen Cowlneck Tee - $6.99 (Orig. $39.50)
6 - High-Waisted Skinny Cord - $20.99 (Orig. $89.50)

They also still have that smocked box tee I like so much (and it's only $7).

Make sure to enter SHOPNOW at checkout for the extra discount.

What do you think? Anything you might buy?

Spied: Button Back Contrast Dress

I have been eying this dress for weeks, and was excited to see the newest price cut.

The print reminds me of a carousel. And I am loving the fabulous dipped back, notched lapel. and button placket.

Vero Moda Button Back Contrast Dress - Asos - $17.91 (Orig. $35.81)
A solid option is also available in Navy or Tangerine Tango.

ASOS has quite a few modest dresses under $30 right now. Here are a few good ones:

40s Midi Dress With Exaggerated Sleeves 

Knitted Dress With Button Detail 

Jersey Dress with Square Neck 

Exclusive Knitted Midi Dress 

I don't know about you, but I am so impressed with ASOS's selection. And don't forget they offer free shipping on all orders, all the time. Nothing makes me smile like free shipping.

Trend: Colored Denim

Colored denim is one of my favorite recent trends. I was super excited to find this great selection of colors over at JCPenney. I was even more excited about the price. 

Bisou Bisou 5-Pocket Skinny Jeans - JCPenney - $15 (valid price for the month of April)

I also really like this option from Forever 21.

Would you wear colored denim? Which color is your favorite?

Hair Inspiration: Braids 2

My braid obsession continues. I don't think there is a better method for keeping my hair out of my face while looking so chic. Like I said, obsessed.

{front braid | crown braid | halo braid tutorial | boho braid}

What do you think? Where are you looking for hair inspiration lately?

Follow my hair inspiration board on pinterest.

Refashion: Smocked V Neck Tee Tutorial

I have a bit of a v-neck tee problem. I love them. I collect them. But I always underestimate how much cleavage they show. They look awesome in the dressing room, but after a few hours and a tussle or two with the baby, the neckline is showing way more than I bargained for. I don't want to wear them with tanks underneath both because I hate how it looks, and because avoiding layering is my new goal.

I am just tickled pink with how this smocking refashion turned out.

I got the idea from a tee I scored on clearance at Anthropologie this winter. And it was both quick and relatively easy.

Click through for the full tutorial.

Babble Posts

I write for Babble's Baby's First Year. Here are my recent posts:

The good news is Tate has learned to drink from a straw. The bad news is he has no idea how his hands factor into the equation. Click through to see this funny video.

Some days I spend more time putting Tate to sleep than he actually naps.

Tate has become a bit of a daddy's boy and I love it!

I have a pretty relaxed baby proofing philosophy.

Somehow Tate sprouted 2 new teeth, and I didn't even notice.

Jem Apparel: New Arrivals for Spring

You guys must check out the new arrivals at jem apparel. So much good stuff.

1 - Super Soft Kimono Dress

2 - Double Vee Dress

3 - Multi Dot Tank

4 - Impressionist Kimono Dress

5 - Modern Dot Blouse

6 - Empire V-Neck Dress

I am dying over that striped dress. Amazing.

Make sure to check out the rest of the new arrivals and the sale items at Jem.

Spied: Premium Floral Skinny Jeans

Just when I said there wasn't a good budget option for floral skinny jeans, Forever 21 comes out with these. Which I am kind of in love with. I think both the fit and print are fabulous.

Premium Floral Skinny Jeans - Forever 21 - $24.80 SOLD OUT

What do you think? Tired of floral jeans yet? I'm not.

Request: Modest Floral Dresses

I got an email from Mendy asking for a few modest floral dress options for a steal. Here are my best finds:

1 - Croft & Barrow® Floral Surplice Dress - Kohls - $27.99 (Orig. $54.00)
2 - Blanket of Flowers Dress - Downeast Basics - $30.00 (Orig. $42.99)
3 - Short Sleeve Printed Belted V-Neck Jersey - Macy's - $21.99 (Orig. $58.00)
4 - Longline Floral Dress - Forever 21 - $29.80
5 - Donna Ricco Cotton Floral Dress - Loehmann's - $39.99 (Orig. $98.00)
6 - Slouched Chiffon Dress - Downeast Basics - $30.00 (Orig.$34.99)

I would personally love to have 1, 2, and 6 - I guess pink is really catching my attention at the moment. What are your favorites?

PS - Downeast Basics is having a $30 sale on all of their dresses right now.