Request: Steve Madden Troopa Combat Boots for Less

I got a request for a more reasonably priced look-a-like for these Steve Madden combat boots.

It can be tricky to find a good pair of cheap boots, but here are the best options.

1 - Wanted Women's Prague - Shoes.com - $48.30 (Orig. $69.00) *Free Shipping
2 - Distressed Lace-Up Combat Boot - Charlotte Russe - $30.00 (Orig. $40.00)
3 - Combat Boot - Wet Seal - $39.50
4 - Distressed Lace-Up Combat Boot - Charlotte Russe - $30.00 (Orig. $40.00)

What do you think? Are these something you would wear? And how do you feel about cheap boots?

Shop My Closet

I am a bit of a clothes junkie (obviously, I write this blog) and right now my closet is overflowing.

Here are a few things that I love, but are no longer working for me.

I hope one of them can find a happy home with one of you.

Sequin Front Tank {xsmall} - $4 (SOLD)
Shabby Apple Bugle Boy Dress (NWOT) {10/12} - $24
Anthropologie Skirt {size 2} - $15 (SOLD)
Ruffle Cap Sleeve Top {small} - $4 (SOLD)

I will be charging $3 shipping for the tees and $6 shipping for the dress. US buyers preferred. Payments via paypal.

Please email me at madelinepetersen@gmail.com if you are interested or have any questions.

Click here for more listings. 

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?

Hair Inspiration: Bangs

Growing my bangs out was a very difficult decision to make. I absolutely luuurved having bangs. When I moved to South Texas I did my very best to maintain them, but no matter what I did I ended the day with a sweaty, sticky, mess of bangs stuck to my face. So, I had to grow them out. But I miss them, oh how I miss them.

When I move back to a drier climate (yes, I said when), you can bet I'll cut bangs again in a hurry.

{1 | 2 | 3 | 4}

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

Follow my hair inspiration board on pinterest.

Spied: Collared Ditsy Dress

Forever 21 has had a great recent track record of keeping knee length skirts in stock, but the longer dresses are much harder to find. That's why I was so excited to see this dress:

Collared Ditsy Heart Dress w/ Belt - Forever 21 - $28.90

I think the collar is especially cute.

Here are a few of my favorite new arrivals at Forever 21:

Silk Zipper Back Top

Satin Polka Dot Trousers

Bow Trimmed Ballet Flats

Colored Skinny Chinos

Almond Toe Wedges

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?

Shop My Closet

I am a bit of a clothes junkie (obviously, I write this blog) and right now my closet is overflowing.

Here are a few things that I love, but are no longer working for me.

I hope one of them can find a happy home with one of you.

1 - Shade Elbow Length Sleeve Cardi {small} - $5 (SOLD )
2 - Polka Dot Tulip Skirt w/ Exposed Back Zipper {size 4} - $7 (SOLD )
3 - Banana Republic Wool Pencil Skirt w/ Pleats {size 0} - $10 ** (SOLD )
4 - Ann Taylor {medium petite} - $7 $5

I will be charging $3 shipping (**$5 shipping for the BR skirt).
US buyers preferred. Payments via paypal.

Please email me at madelinepetersen@gmail.com if you are interested or have any questions.

Click here for more listings.

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: Girls Back to School

Some of you may remember a post a did last year at this time about back to school clothes for girls.I am using the same set of outfits for inspiration this year, because they were adorable and frankly, the best thing I could find.

Here are a few cute pieces I think can mix and match to make a great back to school wardrobe for your little girl.

1 - Girls Chambray Shirt - Old Navy - $19.94
2 - Whiskered Skinny Jeans - Forever 21 - $16.90
3 - Webster Girls Cardigan Sweater - Target - $8.48 (Orig. $16.99)
4 - Sequined Cherries Top - Forever 21 - $12.90
5 - Animal-Print Ballet Flats - Old Navy - $19.94
6 - Floral Bow Headband - Forever 21 - $1.80
7 - Embellished Graphic Tee - Old Navy - $14.94
8 - Tulle-Flower Polka-Dot Cardi - Old Navy - $24.94
9 - Chaps Plaid Twill Work Shirt - Kohls - $14.99 (Orig. $30.00)
10 - Pintucked Floral Top - Forever 21 - $5.99 (Orig. $14.90)
11 - Striped Bow Pullover - Forever 21 - $12.90
12 - Budding Rosette Hair Clips- Forever 21 - $1.50

Do you have any tips you all want to share about getting a more sophisticated look for your daughter without breaking the bank? And of course any sale tips are always appreciated. Leave your thoughts below.

This Week

We are nearing the end of our trip to Utah. It's been so much fun to see friends and family and feel at home again, but I think we're all ready to sleep in our own beds.

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

I can't get this pretty necklace out of my mind.

I think this lovely skirt would transition from summer to fall.

I scored a pretty pair of slacks like these for a steal.

I love this easy knit skirt DIY.

I adore this fabulous (and cheap) iPhone case.

What are your weekend plans?

Request: Ella Moss Zig Zag Maxi Skirt

I recently got a request from Rebecca, looking for a cheaper version of this sold out Ella Moss maxi skirt.

Here are the best options I could find.

1 - Blu Heaven Marcey Knit Maxi Skirt - Alloy - $29.90
2 - Mitered Stripe Knit Skirt - Arden B - $49.00
3 - Pink Rose Asymmetrical Striped Maxi Skirt - Loehmanns - $24.99 (Orig. $52.00)
4 - Mossimo® Convertible Striped Maxi Skirt - Target - $24.99
5 - M.S.S.P. Striped Maxi Skirt - Dillards - $27.30
6 - Stripe Knit Maxi Skirt - White House Black Market - $49.99 (Orig. $ $88.00)

What do you think? Would you wear any of these?

Sale: J.Crew

I was looking around the J.Crew clearance section and found a few pretty things. Here are my faves.

1 - Cotton Crepe Cardigan in Anchors Aweigh - $39.99 (Orig. $88.00)
2 - Vintage Cotton Cap-Sleeve Tee in Stripe - $12.99 (Orig. $34.50)
3 - Woven Webbing Belt - $19.99 (Orig. $39.50)
4 - Crusher Hat - $24.99 (Orig. $36.50)
5 - Ring-Around Eyelet Top - $44.99 (Orig. $65.00)

What do you think? Anything you are thinking about buying? Leave your thoughts below.

This Week

We are spending a few weeks with our family in Utah.

straight hair for the first time in months | hiking in my payless sandals

the view to timpanogos cave | city creek mall

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

I adore these bold patterned pants.

I think this is such a clever DIY project.

I want to try out all of these ideas for pinning bangs back.

This pretty top is at the top of my fall wishlist.

I would love to bring this statement necklace home. 

We are enjoying time with family. What are your weekend plans?

Thrift: Green Skinnies

I lucked into these green skinny jeans at Goodwill a few months ago and I just love the color.

Old Navy Tee - $6 | similar here | here | and here 

Thrifted Colored Jeans - $3 | similar here (on sale) | here | and here

Old Navy Belt - $8 | similar here (on sale) | and here

Street Vendor Bracelet - $3 | similar here | and here 

Vintage Clip-Ons Earrings - $2 | similar here | and here

Ricky Wedges (on sale!) c/o Blowfish Shoes
hair tutorial

Have you thrifted anything good lately?

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.

Our Life: iPads and Apps

The sound of an iPad screen shattering is remarkably similar to the sound of a heart breaking.

As we were packing up to come home to Utah, my iPad screen bit the dust.

I was especially nervous because the iPad was a key component in Operation: Distract Tate on the Airplane.
We all know the kid gets absorbed into the iPad.

I had just downloaded some new (free! y'all know I don't pay for apps) apps for the iPad: Micky Mouse Club House Road Rally and Jake's Never Land Pirate School. Luckily, the apps also work on my iPhone so I was still armed tools of distraction on the plane.

Did you know Disney Junior WATCH makes full length episodes of its popular shows available online at www.watchdisneyjunior.com and via the Disney Junior WATCH app on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch?

• It’s totally free.
• Comcast Xfinity subscribers have access to premiere content, including a live feed of the network online and through the app.  After the live feed, current shows will be available “on demand”. Perfect if you’re in the middle of a show and need to run out to do errands.  No complaints from the kids that they’ll miss the end of their show. Or perhaps there are several kids in a family who like different programs.  One can watch on the TV, while the other watches on their favorite device. Missed their favorite show?  They’ll have up to 10 days to catch up on WATCH!
• Fans who aren’t on Comcast can contact their cable provider to ask for the service via the website or the app.

Join ,us August 8th at 9 PM EST for a Disney Junior Twitter party! You could win an iPad. RSVP at http://bit.ly/QsXDE2 and use the hashtags #spon and #mackidtips

A big thanks to Disney Junior for sponsoring this campaign. Click here to see more of the discussion.

This Week

I couldn't help but stop by Old Navy to take advantage of the 25% off coupon. 

I went in for this skirt, but couldn't help but snag these electric orange flats and a fantastic pair of dark wash denim shorts as well.

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

I am loving this sweet striped dress (especially in black & white).
I want to try this hair tutorial. 
This belt is rad (and on sale).
 

We are flying to Salt Lake today to spend some time with family before the summer is over. 

I am so excited to go home for a bit! What are your weekend plans?

Inspired: Olivia Palermo's Dot Blouse

I spotted this look on pinterest and loved how playful and sophisticated it was.

Source: oliviasstyle.blogspot.com via Madeline on Pinterest

Here is my best stab at it:

Modern Dot Blouse - Jem Apparel - $41

Colorblock Pleats Skirt - Forever 21 - $22.80

{another skirt option here | here | and here}

Carved Speckled Oval Ring - Forever 21 - $3.80

Studded Crisscross Belt - Forever 21 - $6.80

Leather Pumps - Mango - $29.99 (Orig. $99.99)

The skirt is not a perfect match, but I feel like the rest of the look is pretty dead on. 

Is this a look you would wear? Leave your thoughts below.

Must Have: Forever 21 Black & White

Here are some of my favorite new arrivals at Forever 21: 

1 - Bias Colorblock Maxi Skirt - $19.80
2 - Boxy Graduated Stripe Top - $17.80
3 - Square Colorblocked Skirt - $19.80
4 - Contrast Tie Neck Top - $17.80
5 - Floral Panel Skirt - $14.80
6 - Ditsy Ganado Print Blouse - $19.90