Back in August, I said that there are two times during the year that I go shop-crazy: fall and spring.  Something about the changing seasons feeds my already intense desire for new clothes.  After reading this post from Uber-Chic for Cheap, I starting thinking about the gaps in my wardrobe and items I would love to have for spring.  Here's my shopping list:


1.  Printed Ruffle Sleeve Blouse, $47.86, Asos {link}
2.  Classic-stripe tissue tee, $32.50, J. Crew {link}
3.  Full Bouquet Clip, $18, Anthropologie {link}
4.  Corso Como "Festive" Ballet Flats, $59.99, Bloomingdale's {link}
5.  Scoop Basic Tee, $24.50, The Limited {link}
6.  Leather Zip Around Crossbody Bag, $59.95, DSW {link}
7.  Nostalgia Nail Lacquer, $2.80, Forever 21 {link}
8.  Neon necklace, $28, J. Crew {link}
9.  BC Oh Sailor Sandal, $49.50, Delia's {link}
10.  Bubble bow skirt, on sale $122, The Outnet.com {link}
11.  Faded dark flared leg jeans, on sale $39.99, Gap {link}
12.  Floral Printed Full Skirt, $58, Urban Outfitters {link}
13.  Featherweight cotton long cardigan, $69.50, J. Crew {link}

I went with gray and silver neutrals, with pops of bright coral and yellow, which is my chosen color palette for spring.  Most of these items {with the exception of the Neon Necklace from J. Crew, because I haven't been able to find anything else like it} stand more for ideas of what I would like to have.  For example, I'm not really going to spend over $100 on a tweed skirt, because I found one at a consignment shop last week for $10 and I love it.  {Like, I really love it; it's totally adorable.}  Similarly, I purchased a new pair of Gap jeans on that same shopping trip for $8, and I'll probably pick up a new white t-shirt at Ross the next time I go instead of buying this one from The Limited for $24.50.

Do you have a favorite item?  Are you thinking of filling some gaps in your own wardrobe?  What would you love to own this season?  Leave a comment!

My friend Teri sent me this e-mail today:

Oh wise one!  I need help!  :)  My sister-in-law is getting married in May and has asked me to be a bridesmaid.  We're buying our own dresses and I need some help!  The dress needs to be black with some white (more black than white) and modest.  Since it's an outdoor wedding, I'd like it to be made from a lightweight material, knee length and have a short sleeve.  Please guide me!  Ideally, I don't want to spend a whole lot on the dress and shoes (think 250 or less for the dress, shoes and accessories).  I'm mostly worried about being too hot as it will most likely be an all day thing outside and I'll be doing a lot of the work. I think a happy medium between formal and casual would be ideal.  Thanks!

-Teri

Here's what I came up with:


1.  Swirling Villages Dress, on sale $49.95, Anthropologie {link}
2.  Stretch Rose Buckle Belt, $8.99, Charlotte Russe {link}
3.  Helium Petals Necklace, on sale $39.95, Anthropologie {link}
4.  Rosette Purse, $48, Harmony Lane {link}
5.  BDG Suede Pumps, $48, Urban Outfitters {link}

total:  $194.89

I love this black and white dress from Anthropologie; it's modest, cute, practical for a summer wedding, and effortlessly re-wearable.  I exchanged the removable multicolored belt it comes with for a black one, and paired it with neutrals so Teri will fit right in with the rest of the bridal party.  Mixed metallics in the necklace and a gray shoe keep the outfit light, fun, and summery.  The different flower motifs give it a sense of whimsy.  I also threw in a bright clutch to add a pop of color to her outfit without ruining the bride's color scheme.

What do you think?  Do you think I struck the right note?  Do you love that dress as much as I do?  Leave a comment!


Don't forget to enter my giveaway for your chance to win $40 in gift cards to eShakti!

I got an e-mail this morning about how Banana Republic is in love with coral right now:



I was instantly smitten.  I checked out the stuff they had at BR, and frankly, was not impressed.  I decided to throw together my own collected of tantalizingly coral pieces.  Coral is such a springy color, and I love to see how different brands interpret it -- orangey salmons, rosy pinks, and everything in between:



1.  Embroidered Linen-Blend Top, $24.50, Old Navy {link}
2.  Elegant Spread Cropped Cardigan, $17.80, Forever 21 {link}
3.  Robert Rose Hinged Enamel Bracelet, $20, Lord & Taylor {link}
4.  Filigree Flower Earrings, $4, Charlotte Russe {link}
5.  Dotted Woven Top, $17.80, Forever 21 {link}
6.  Canvas Pump, $48, Urban Outfitters {link}
7.  Essie Nail Polish, $8, J. Crew {link}
8.  Asymmetrical Ruffle Tee, $32.50, J. Crew {link}
9.  Here & There Dress, on sale $79.95, Anthropologie {link}
10.  Solid Embossed Beach Dress, $98, J. Crew {link}
11.  Coloured Super Skinny Waist Belt, $8.55, Asos {link}
12.  Lucy Bow Detail Ballerina, $25.64, Asos {link}
13.  Origami Applique Cardigan, $26.50, Old Navy {link}
14.  Windswept Floral Skinny Scarf, $29.50, Loft {link}
15.  Basket Plaid Scarf, $29.50, Loft {link}
16.  Poppie Jones Selma Satchel, $34.95, DSW {link}

I do agree with BR about the idea of pairing coral with neutrals, and especially lighter neutrals like sand and gray.  Navy would also be great with coral, I think.  What do you think?  Are you all over the idea of coral for spring?  Which item is your favorite {and what would you wear with it}?


Don't forget to enter my giveaway for your chance to win $40 in gift cards to eShakti!

Christian and I went to see the movie Valentine's Day about a week ago.  While I didn't think it deserved an F from Entertainment Weekly, it also wasn't nearly as good as Love Actually, which it was clearly trying to imitate.  {Side note: I heart Love Actually almost as much as I love watching edited movies.  It's my second-favorite movie of all time, and my second-favorite Christmas movie, and I just now realized that my two favorite movies are both Christmas movies.  Yikes.}  Mostly, I thought it was equal parts entertaining, amusing, and completely ridiculous.

One of the best elements of the movie was Jennifer Garner, who I think is just so gorgeous.  I love her dimples, I loved her hair {I'm now thinking about getting highlights of my own}, and I loved her character's personal style.  Between Julia Fitzpatrick {see pictures here} and Meg of Fresh Brownies, I am now finding myself in desperate need of a red cardigan.  And that brings me to the point of today's post, which is my re-creation of Julia's airport look.  I thought it was too cute:


Catrina Cardigan, on sale $29.50, Delia's {link}
Ditsy floral ruffle blouse, $42, Fred Flare {link}
Mossimo Black Large Hobo, $22.99, Target {link}
Lasting Finish Professional Nail Polish, $3.99, Ulta {link}
Delicate Initial Necklace, $18, Urban Outfitters {link}
Braided Wedges, $29.99, Charlotte Russe {link}
The Flirt Boot-Cut Jeans, on sale $19, Old Navy {link}

total: $165.47

What do you think?  Did you see Valentine's Day, too?  Thoughts on the movie?  What do you think of the outfit?  Do you think you can find a ruffly, button-up, floral-printed top for less?  {I dare you!}  Thanks for reading!

Urban Outfitters sent me an e-mail yesterday, letting me know that the strong shoulder is coming back into style.Not that UO is the only proponent of the returning trend -- fashionistas everywhere have been noticing its comeback since early 2009. Strong shoulders were popular in the 1940s and 1980s as well; the idea is to emphasize a wide line at the shoulder, making the waist seem smaller.

UO has one of the largest {and most inexpensive} collections of clothing featuring strong shoulders that I could find.  View all of their strong-shouldered items here.  Here are a few items that I like:


Pins and Needles Rouched Sleeve Top, $28 {link}
Urban Renewal Strong Shoulder Satin Surplice Dress, $58 {link}
Silence & Noise Strong Shoulder Blazer, $78 {link}
Silence & Noise Strong Shoulder Blouse, $58 {link}

Personally, I tend to be thin and straight, so done right, a strong shoulder could give my body some shape.  Done wrong, I could end up looking like I'm lost in my daddy's jacket.  Find some great tips on wearing a strong shoulder here.

What do you think?  Are you into the strong shoulder trend, or are you still too nauseated by the idea that 1980s fashion is making a comeback?

I haven't gotten my LBD back from the tailor yet (I haven't even gone in for a fitting yet -- I need to call them today and make sure everything is okay), but I decided it was time for me to seriously think about the shoes I'm going to wear to the wedding.

To match the rest of the wedding party, I need to wear silver, black, or teal. I love the idea of pumps with a high heel (but not over 4 inches; I don't want to be too much taller than my husband) and maybe a platform. I don't like shoes with really pointy toes, because I feel like they make my already-large feet look even bigger. Silver or teal pumps could be pretty basic, because the color is enough to make them stand out -- black shoes would need some kind of detail. I'm thinking closed back and toe, because it will be December and I'll be standing outside for hours taking pictures. I definitely want something classic and sexy and endlessly rewearable, and under $50.

Here's what I found:

Silver:

1. Pleaser Women's Vanity Pump, $33.95, Endless (link)
2. Charles Albert Women's Spirit Pump, $29.95, Endless (link)
3. Michael Antonio Women's Lotus Pump, $39.95, Endless (link)
4. Crinkled Metallic Platforms, $24.99, Charlotte Russe (link)

Teal:

I don't remember exactly how I came across this necklace on Etsy, but I do remember that I instantly fell for it. I love the bright, happy colors -- it seems like such a fun accessory!


1. Military Patrol Jacket, $37.80, Forever 21 (link)
2. Textured jersey satin-trim tee, on sale $19.99, J. Crew (link)
3. Merino Wool Felt Necklace, $40, Crafts2Cherish @ Etsy (link)
4. Merona Large Hobo, $24.99, Target (link)
5. Artist Jean, on sale $39.95, American Eagle (link)
6. Kimchi Blue Linen Skimmer, on sale $19.99, Urban Outfitters (link)
7. Small idiom bangle, on sale $29, Kate Spade (link)

total: $211.72

If you haven't already figured it out, then let me tell you something about myself: I'm a major Ann Taylor Loft fan. In fact, my favorite cardigan is from ATL. No other clothing line pairs sleek menswear with soft, feminine details the way they do. My favorite thing about ATL at the moment is the wonderful sale they've got going on. As my sister-in-law Catherine would say, I. love it. I've created a few outfits from wonderful ATL pieces that are on sale. I like the first one the best -- have I mentioned that gray is my color this season? Let me know which is your favorite!


1. Chiffon Bow Trim Tee, on sale $9.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
2. Merona Beaded Sunburst Flap Clutch, $16.99, Target (link)
3. Double-Faced Synthetic Pencil Skirt, on sale $39.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
4. UO Chain Fringe Earrings, on sale $9.99, Urban Outfitters (link)
5. Wrap Cardigan with Inset Waist Tie, on sale $29.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
6. Lace Suede Pumps, $24.99, Charlotte Russe (link)

total: $131.94


1. Leopard 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan, $22.80, Forever 21 (link)
2. Stripe Pleated Collar Button Front, on sale $29.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
3. Merona Large Hobo, $24.99, Target (link)
4. Oxford Denim Pencil Skirt, on sale $39.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
5. Twisted Rope Bracelet in Pewter, $9.99, Ruche (link)
6. Patent & Suede Maryjanes, $24.99, Charlotte Russe (link)

total: $152.75


1. H81 Striped Cardigan w/ Tie Belt, $32.90, Forever 21 (link)
2. Refined Jersey Ruched Mock Neck, on sale $19.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
3. Belted Patent Flats, $22.99, Charlotte Russe (link)
4. Exclusive Wash Marisa Trousers, on sale $49.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
5. Mossimo Flower Hobo Bag, $19.99, Target (link)
6. Ocean Charm Necklace, on sale $14.99, Urban Outfitters (link)

total: $160.85

Last week my lovely sister-in-law Catherine wrote me an e-mail to tell me that she bought this dress recently, and she was wondering if I could help her accessorize it. Um, yes. Love to, yes. First of all, it's one awesome find of a dress. So flattering, such a great color, and such a steal. Second, I love taking one piece and showing how versatile it is. I put together four different looks, and even though each is labeled for a specific occasion, I think they're all very adaptable. Catherine said she didn't really have a budget in mind, so I let myself splurge a little bit (although all four looks came in under $200). Let me know what you think!

A romantic night out look:
1. Cropped Knit Cardigan, $13.80, Forever 21 (link)
2. Wrap shirt dress, on sale $17.99, Fashion Bug (link)
3. Clou Strand, $38, Anthropologie (link)
4. Dahlia bunches ring, $9.99, Ruche (link)
5. Xhilaration Sydney Mary Jane Pumps, $22.99, Target (link)
6. Merona Large Classic Clutch, $16.99, Target (link)

total: $119.76

A sunny church look:
1. Safari Jacket, on sale $24.99, Calvin Klein Jeans (link)
2. Wide-Eyed Daisy Ring, $7.99, ModCloth (link)
3. Windflower Necklace, $38, Anthropologie (link)
4. Merona Tote, $26.99, Target (link)
5. Wrap shirt dress, on sale $17.99, Fashion Bug (link)
6. Anna by Fabulaire, $24.99, Rack Room (link)

total: $140.95

A sassy work look (because Catherine's husband likes her sassy):
1. Doki Geki Ruched Sleeve Boyfriend Blazer, $48, Nordstrom (link)
2. Wrap shirt dress, on sale $17.99, Fashion Bug (link)
3. Circa 78 Knot Necklace, on sale $19.99, Urban Outfitters (link)
4. Herringbone hobo, on sale $34.99, Gap (link)
5. Mossimo Veanna Platform Pumps, $29.99, Target (link)
6. Brass paisley disc earrings, $6.99, Ruche (link)

total: $157.95

A fun lunch-with-friends look:
1. Petal Trim Cardigan, $26, Forever 21 (link)
2. Mossimo Black Hobo, $19.99, Target (link)
3. Mercury Headband, $38, Anthropologie (link)
4. Lora by Limelight, $29.99, Rack Room (link)
5. Wrap shirt dress, on sale $17.99, Fashion Bug (link)
6. Repurposed Fabric Necklace and Earring Set, $47, kangas @ Etsy (link)

total: $178.97

I love white t-shirts. *Love* them. They're easy, classic, and go with absolutely everything. This post is inspired by my love of white t-shirts. I created four fall outfits around a simple white scoopneck tee from Ann Taylor Loft. (Remember, these are fall outfits for North Carolina -- it doesn't get really cold here until January!) I love them all! I'm also working on getting the outfits I create to total under $100; I'm not quite there yet, as evidenced by the price tags in this post. Leave a comment and let me know what you think!


1. Ringspun cotton cardigan, on sale $19.99, J. Crew (link)
2. Fab Skinny Patent Belt, $2.50, Forever 21 (link)
3. Je Te'Aime Necklace, on sale $19.99, Urban Outfitters (link)
4. The summer skirt, on sale $19.99, Gap (link)
5. Essential Scoopneck Tee, on sale $6.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
6. Mossimo Valda Ruffle Flats, $24.99, Target (link)

total: $94.45


1. Lightweight knit scarf, on sale $14.99, Gap (link)
2. Essential Scoopneck Tee, on sale $6.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
3. English Beat Vest, on sale $24, Christa Taylor (link)
4. Mossimo Odell Ballet Flats, $12.99, Target (link)
5. Faded Blue Flare Jean, on sale $39.99, Calvin Klein Jeans (link)
6. Quilted Double Breasted Jacket, $34.99, Charlotte Russe (link)

total: $133.95


1. Turnlock Clutch, $7.49, Target (link)
2. Essential Scoopneck Tee, on sale $6.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
3. Textured Stitch Cardigan, on sale $39.99, Calvin Klein Jeans (link)
4. Beads and threads necklace set, $9.99, Ruche (link)
5. Xhilaration Stasya Mary Jane Pumps, $22.99, Target (link)
6. City-fit cotton Bistro pant, on sale $49.99, J. Crew (link)

total: $137.44


1. Fab Belted Jacket, $15.50, Forever 21 (link)
2. Short-sleeve cotton cardigan, on sale $39.99, J. Crew (link)
3. Essential Scoopneck Tee, on sale $6.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
4. Multi-Bead Necklace, on sale $29.99, Fossil (link)
5. Mysterious Message Skirt, on sale $39.95, Anthropologie (link)
6. Mossimo Vonnie Pumps, $29.99, Target (link)

total: $162.41

Based on Sensibly Styled's post today, and this article from Gwenyth Paltrow's website GOOP, I have collected items that I think would look great in a uniform-type outfit. Earlier this year I discovered the value of such an outfit, and often toss on my dark jeans, heather gray t-shirt, and black cardigan when I don't want to think too much about what I'm going to wear. It's such a classic and easy ensemble, and adding jewelry instantly kicks it up a notch. I usually just slip on my Rainbows to finish, but I think flats are a great way to go for the fall. Here are my picks:1. Favorite V-neck T, on sale $10, Gap (link)
2. Drapey Ruched Scoopneck, $32.50, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
3. Perfect-fit short-sleeve scoopneck tee, on sale $14.99, J. Crew (link)
4. Perfect-fit three-quarter sleeve henley, on sale $19.99, J. Crew (link)
5. Pure body T, $16.50, Gap (link)



1. Short-sleeve cotton cardigan, on sale $39.99, J. Crew (link)
2. V-Neck Cardigan, $39.50, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
3. Short-sleeve cashmere cardigan, on sale $59.99, J. Crew (link)
4. Super fine cardigan, $44.50, Gap (link)
5. Shawl wrap sweater, $58, Gap (link)

1. Filigree Bib Necklace, $7.99, Charlotte Russe (link)
2. Layered Rosette Necklace, $5.99, Charlotte Russe (link)
3. Royal purple leaf pendant necklace, $14.99, Ruche (link)
4. Bug Charm Necklaces, on sale $14.99, Urban Outfitters (link)
5. Silver Initial Necklace, $18, Urban Outfitters (link)
6. Beaded Chain Necklace, $6.99, Charlotte Russe (link)


1. American Eagle Carter T-strap Skimmer, $19.99, Payless (link)
2. Mossimo Supply Co. Ondria Flats in Gray Flannel, $16.99, Target (link)
3. Mossimo Supply Co. Odell Embellished Ballet Flat in Tan, $12.99, Target (link)
4. Women's Hidden-Heel Mary Janes, on sale $20, Old Navy (link)
5. Fiona Ballet Flat, $16.99, Payless (link)

I built these outfits around jeans that are sale right now at Gap.com, with a lot of help from the Tulle website, which I absolutely love. I think they're great as just-beginning-fall outfits:

1. Filigree Leaf Drop Earrings, on sale $12.99, Urban Outfitters (link)
2. Printed Lawn Ruffle Neck Blouse, on sale $27.20, Tulle (link)
3. Tullette Double Breasted Jacket, on sale $25.20, Tulle (link)
4. Rosette Woven Wedges, on sale $13.49, Charlotte Russe (link)
5. Mid-rise boot cut jeans, on sale $34.99, Gap (link)

total: $113.87

1. Teardrop chandelier earring, on sale $29.99, Banana Republic (link)
2. Decree Printed Bib Tunic, on sale $17.99, JC Penny (link)
3. Petite Ruched Sleeve Cardigan, on sale $19.99, Ann Taylor Loft (link)
4. Poppy bow ballet flats, on sale $24.99, Gap (link)
5. Mid rise boot cut jeans, on sale $29.99, Gap (link)

total: $122.95

1. Gem and Feather Drop Earrings, on sale $9.99, Urban Outfitters (link)
2. Rose Stripe Top, on sale $8.99, Charlotte Russe (link)
3. Picque Belted Jacket, on sale $34, Tulle (link)
4. Women's Cut-Out Ballet Flats, on sale $15, Old Navy (link)
5. Low rise boot cut jeans, on sale $29.99, Gap (link)

total: $97.97

1. We Dream in Colour Filigree Drops, on sale $14.99, Urban Outfitters (link)
2. Tulip Blouse, on sale $22.80, Tulle (link)
3. Tullette Cap Sleeve Cardigan, on sale $16, Tulle (link)
4. Slingback Woven Wedges, on sale $12.49, Charlotte Russe (link)
5. Low rise boot cut jeans, on sale on sale $29.99, Gap (link)

total: $96.27

Everything in this outfit-I-would-love-to-own is on sale:


1. Laser Cut Nature Hoops, on sale $9.99, Urban Outfitters (link)
2. Sleeveless Origami Top, on sale $11.47, New York & Company (link)
3. Knife-Pleat Skirt, on sale $19.95, Martin + Osa (link)
4. Chiffon-trim Cardigan, on sale $49.99, J. Crew (link)
5. Karmel Pleated Wedge, on sale $17.99, Payless (link)

total: $109.39