So, sometimes I play the "What if I had to buy an entire wardrobe from one store?" game.  Kind of like What Not to Wear meets Where the Heart Is.  I don't know why I would ever be in that situation, but then the point of my clothes dreams is not to be realistic, it's to have fun.  If I were to have realistic clothes dreams, they would be very short and boring and not at all fun.

Yesterday I played the "What if I had to buy an entire wardrobe from Old Navy?" game, which turned into the "What if I were buying the perfect wardrobe for a beach vacation from Old Navy?" game.  Because if there's one thing that consumes my fantasies as much as clothes, it's spending massive amounts of time at the beach.  And I came up with four outfits.  I love them, and now I really want to go to the beach:



Outfit1:
1.  Halter Swimsuit, $29.50 {link}
2.  Lightweight Crew-Neck Raglan Tee, on sale $7.99 {link}
3.  Two-Tone Canvas Beach Tote, $16.50 {link}
4.  Oxford Bermudas, $24.50 {link}
5.  Faux-Leather Looped T-Strap Sandals, $19.50 {link}

Outfit 2:
1.  Ruffled Bomber Jacket, $29.50 {link}
2.  Mock Two-Piece Dress, $19.50 {link}
3.  Beaded Fabric-Cord Necklace, $9.50 {link}
4.  Faux-Leather Trimmed Crescent Tote, $16.50 {link}
5.  Faux-Leather Cross-Strap Wedges, $29.50 {link}

Outfit 3:
1.  Gauzy Plaid Top, $19.50 {link}
2.  Origami Applique Cardigan, $26.50 {link}
3.  Low-Rise Skinny Pants, $29.50 {link}
4.  Ruffled Platform Peep-Toe Booties, $29.50 {link}
5.  Embellished Flower Headband, $6.50 {link}

Outfit 4:
1.  The Diva Skinny Jeans, $29.50 {link}
2.  Roll- Up Sheer Plaid Shirt, $24.50 {link}
3.  Cat's-Eye Sunglasses, $9.50 {link}
4.  Espadrille Wedges, $29.50 {link}
5.  Lightweight Tonal Scarf, $12.50 {link}

What do you think?  Do you like my outfits?  What would you love to wear to the beach?  If you could buy an entire wardrobe from one store, which store would you pick?  And what would you get?

I got an e-mail from Jes last week {sorry, Jes, it's taken me too long to get to your request; just know that I'm super-excited about it, because you're the first person to send me a request that I don't know in real life, and that's awesome for me}:

hi, mary
i'm just a random person in the midwest who wandered onto your blog one day. you have wonderful style and such a fresh and pleasing sense of blog. and i'm wondering if you can use your fashion brain to help me. i bought the textured gauze sundress from tulle and i adore it. link here.  my problem is, however, that i bought it in carrot. and, wow, the dress is carrot. i've worn it a couple times, but i just don't think i'm getting it right. can you think of any suggestions for styling this little carrot? i need it to be modest, so i've paired it with a few different cardigans and shrugs, but... everything i've tried just looks like i'm trying to camouflage the color instead of enjoy it. i would really appreciate any sort of help.  thanks!
jes

Wow.  I've never had the courage to purchase anything so bright, so kudos for breaking out of your comfort zone!  My suggestion would be to pair your dress with soft neutrals like khaki, white, and warm browns.  I think gray and navy could also work in small doses, like as a shoe or accessory.  {Just please, to avoid Halloween associations, never wear your dress with black!}  Definitely let the dress take center stage, and choose pieces that compliment it.

I created two outfits that I think would work great with your dress {the first is inspired by this outfit featured on What I Wore; Jessica is rocking her neon yellow dress}:

Outfit A:
1.  Textured Gauze Sun Dress, on sale $26, Tulle {link}
2.  Totes Stick Umbrella, $12.99, Target {link}
3.  Twill Trench Coat, $39.80, Forever 21 {link}
4.  Solid opaque tights, on sale $9.99, J. Crew {link}
5.  Lily Suedette Shoetie, $24.80, Forever 21 {link}
total: $113.58

Outfit B:
1.  Textured Gauze Sun Dress, on sale $26, Tulle {link}
6.  Short Ruched Sleeve Cardigan, $18, Charlotte Russe {link}
7.  Orange U Glad it's Summer Nail Laquer, $7.50, Ulta {link}
8.  Zebra Skinny Belt, $24.50, The Limited {link}
9.  Mossimo Valonia Pump, $29.99, Target {link}
total: $105.99


Jes, I hope this helps!  What does everyone think?  Would you wear the outfits I put together?  Do you have any more suggestions for how Jes should style her dress?  I appreciate your comments!

Since I am a J. Crew fanatic, and my J. Crew cravings must be satisfied, I frequent the blog J. Crew Aficionada.  Alexis, blogger behind JCA, has an amazing network of J. Crew fanatics that inform her when, say, J. Crew sends out an e-mail, or has a promotion.  And it's nice, because even though I'm signed up for J. Crew e-mails, I sometimes get them four or five hours after they come up on the JCA blog.  {You might wonder why.  It's all because J. Crew plays favorites -- they know that whoever owns my e-mail address will only buy maybe $100 worth of clothing in a year, and most of that on sale, and so they send e-mails to less thrifty customers first.}

Alexis will also occasionally mention other stores her readers might be interested in, and early last month she blogged about the arrival of Lands' End Canvas.  Lands' End Canvas is a trendier line from the original Lands' End -- same quality, authentic inspiration, but modern interpretation is what they're going for.  I checked out the site last week, and I am now a fan.  It's definitely reminiscent of J. Crew, with a nautical, preppy feel and traditional silhouettes, with slightly lower prices.  I love how they've updated Lands' End clothing while keeping it classic.  {I also love this model's hair.  Can I have it, please?}

Here are some of my favorite items from their site:


1.  Cotton Lawn Campshirt, $39.50 {link}
2.  Fit and Flare Dress, $59.50 {link}
3.  Leather Sandals, $69.50 {link}
4.  Super Slim Jeans, $59.50 {link}
5.  Print Cotton Linen Scarf, $29.50 {link}
6.  Paisley Halter Tank Swimsuit, $69.50 {link}

If I had to choose just one, I'd go for the dress.  It's too cute!  It also looks really simple; does anyone know how to make a dress like this?  Which item is your favorite?  Do you think you'll be purchasing from Lands' End Canvas any time soon?

P.S.  Right now you can get $10 off your regularly priced purchase of $50 or more with the coupon code 3552.  {Thanks to Chloe for the tip!}

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!

Have you ever been browsing through a collection of clothing, either online or in-store, and you saw something so gorgeous you literally felt your jaw drop?  Have you ever felt so shocked by your emotional reaction to a piece of clothing that you gasped out loud?  I have.  {I've even created a blog on which to post these items, so I wouldn't empty my bank account in order to possess them.}  It's not often that I have this reaction -- more likely I'll do a double-take, or just gaze longingly at something for a prolonged period of time.

This Anthropologie dress, however, got both the jaw-drop and the audible gasp.  It's just so gorgeous.  {I don't think I've mentioned it on this blog before, but red poppies are absolutely my favorite flower.  Stick them on anything and I'm guaranteed to love it.}  I created an outfit around it, just for fun:


1.  Homegrown Dress, $158, Anthropologie {link}
2.  Featherweight cotton long cardigan, $69.50, J. Crew {link}
3.  Braided Claudette necklace, $16, Fred Flare {link}
4.  Colin Stuart T-strap wedge, $29, Victoria's Secret {link}
5.  Fossil Latigo C-Buckle Belt, $28, Dillard's {link}

I think a boyfriend cardigan, with the sleeves scrunched up to the elbows, would look great with this dress.  Add in the shoes, though, and it becomes a little too Grandma's garden party.  I added an edgy necklace and menswear belt {which I would wear over the cardigan} to make it feel more modern.

What do you think?  Am I crazy for my intense reactions to clothing?  Are you a little afraid of me now?  What about the dress?  Breath-taking, isn't it?  And do you have any thoughts about the outfit -- is it something you would wear for spring?

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!

J. Crew is currently offering 20% off all Final Sale items with coupon code EXTRA20.  Here are a few {okay, so more than a few -- I got a little carried away this time} of my favorite items on sale:


1.  Wool felt cloche, $15.99 {link}
2.  Toothpick ankle cord, $15.99 {link}
3.  Tulle blossom art tee, $19.99 {link}
4.  Silk lumiere cami, $23.99 {link}
5.  Solid opaque tights, $5.59 {link}
6.  Layered ruffle tank, $23.99 {link}
7.  Vintage matchstick cord, $23.99 {link}
8.  Satin limelight clutch, $23.99 {link}
9.  Petal-and-pearl necklace, $27.99 {link}
10.  Washed silk pocket tee, $31.99 {link}
11.  Merino basket-weave scarf, $15.99 {link}
12.  Silk streamers cami, $47.99 {link}
13.  Skinny patent-leather belt with square buckle, $11.99 {link}
14.  Tissue cascading pansy tank, $27.99 {link}
15.  Merino knit beret, $15.99 {link}
16.  Merino microstripe turtleneck sweater, $15.99 {link}

What do you think?  Is 20% enough of a discount to get you interested?  Which of these items is your favorite {or do you have another favorite item on sale I didn't include in this post}?  Leave a comment!

I got the word today...

{I got the word via one of the many, many e-mail notifications I receive every day.  They seem endless, but somehow they still never keep me as well informed as Chloe, who seems to know about every sale going on everywhere.  By the way,  she has created a new blog specifically to share shopping sales and secrets.  It's amazing -- you should check it out.}

... of a great sale going on at Loft!


Today through President's Day {Monday, February 15th}, take 50% off select spring styles, both online and in stores.  See all styles included in this sale here.  No coupon code is needed; the discount is applied automatically at checkout.  Don't forget that you can also get free shipping on orders of $125 or more!

Here are a few of my favorite items:


1.  Marisa Pleated Cropped Pants with Belt, $24.75 {link}
2.  Twisted Silk Trim Tee, $14.75 {link}
3.  Ruched Sleeve Top, $22.25 {link}
4.  Lei Trim Tee, $18.25 {link}
5.  Twist Neck Pullover, $19.75 {link}
6.  Faded Blooms Scarf, $17.25 {link}
7.  Ink Dot Sheath Dress, $39.75 {link}
8.  Dark Wildflower Modern Boot Cut Jeans, $29.75 {link}
9.  Knit Dress with Pleats, $34.75 {link}

I love me a 50% off sale!  They're a refreshing {and money-saving} change after hearing about an almost endless stream of "free shipping off orders of $150 or more" deals from J. Crew.  Let me say, I think those promotions are so lame.  If I ever spend $150 at one store at a time {which I don't think I would ever do, unless I won the lottery, which is impossible, since I don't gamble}, then I would expect free shipping without any kind of coupon code.  But moving away from my love/hate relationship with J. Crew...

I also love the colors Loft is featuring this spring.  They're so bright and sunny and fresh!  And definitely tempting.  This sale is a good opportunity to purchase a few items you've been eying without going over budget.

What do you think?  Will you take advantage of this promotion?  I love to shop online because I can always find what I'm looking for, I can use coupon codes without having to deal with people face-to-face {which is something I'm weird about}, and there's always a great selection.  I understand the value of in-store shopping, too; namely, that you know how an item will fit you before you buy it.  Do you prefer online or in-store shopping?

I got my new DownEast Basics catalog in the mail today, and I'm excited about what they have in store for spring!  Here are some of my favorite items:


1.  Fancy Tee, $16.99 {link}
2.  Pearl Bib Necklace, $14.99
3.  Union Square Top, $19.99 {link}
4.  Silver & Black Jeweled Bib Necklace, $12.99
5.  Frosted Flowers Cardigan, $34.99 {link}
6.  Satin & Bead Necklace, $14.99
7.  Impressionist Skirt, $29.99 {link}
8.  Top Tier Skirt, $34.99 {link}
9.  Outside the Box Top, $24.99 {link}
10.  Chiffon Flower Necklace, $12.99

One reason I'm so excited for these new designs is that I feel like I've seen them before.  The Impressionist Skirt reminds me of this adorable pencil skirt from Kate Spade, the Fancy Tee looks like something straight out of J. Crew, and the Silver & Black Bib Necklace resembles almost exactly this one {that I blogged about here} from Max & Chloe.  I love the direction in which DownEast Basics is moving, and I'm going to scoop me up one of those Fancy Tees as soon as they get some in stock!

Which item from DownEast Basics is your favorite?  Are you {like me} waiting with bated breath for some items to become available?  If you could ask DownEast to make a more affordable or modest version of something, what would it be?  Leave a comment!

NOTE:  Not all of them items I've featured in this post have corresponding links because not all of them are posted on the website yet; I took the pictures, names and prices straight from the catalog.

If I had one million dollars that I could only spend on clothes...

{these are the kinds of fantasies that I like to play with in my head.  Not just "if I had one million dollars," because then it would go to things like paying off our student loans and buying a house and helping people in Haiti.  Not that I don't want to help people in Haiti; I do.  Text "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross.  But as long as I'm fantasizing, I want to be fantasizing about clothes, which is why I add the stipulation "that I could only spend on clothes."  I also have fun with "if I got a $5000 shopping spree at J. Crew" and "if everything at the mall was free}

... a lot of it would go to my dear seductive friends, J. Crew and Anthropologie.  However, I think the majority would end up funding another long-time temptation of mine, Kate Spade.  Oh, Kate Spade, how do I love thee?  Let me count the ways.  I love the bright color palette {red is my all-time favorite color.  It's so lovely}, the bold stripes and sweet details, the knee-length dresses, the funky cute patterns, the retro charm and modern feel.  Basically, I love everything.  Hence the exclamation point in my post title -- I love Kate Spade that much.  And mostly I don't even allow myself to think about Kate Spade, because I'm afraid I'm going to lose it and accidentally buy something and be out $300.

Right now I can't stop looking at {and drooling over} these pieces:


From left to right:

Jet Setter Print Darla Dress, $355 {link}
Annapolis Agnes Sweater, $245 {link}
Connect Four Reina Dress, $395 {link}
Pass the Shades Cotton Scarf, $95 {link}
With a Twist Striped Rosette Tank, $175 {link}

What do you think?  Are you a Kate Spade fan?  Do you ever fantasize about buying everything you ever wanted, or do you keep your musings more realistic?  Do you agree that red is the most gorgeous color in the world, or do you have a different favorite?  Leave a comment!

One of my all-time favorite blogs is The Rockstar Diaries.  It's not a fashion blog, but I'm mentioning it because Naomi has some amazing style.  She never really talks about it, but you can see from the pictures she posts that she is a fashion maven {seriously, I want to be her when I grow up}.   Naomi recently had an interview with 21st & Ivy and talked about where she shops.  I'm always on the lookout for great clothing resources, so I was very interested in what she had to say.

I stop by my favorite Etsy vintage shops on a regular basis to check out the new stuff. I love DearGolden, Thrush Vintage and Sally Jane for awesome dresses, blouses, and skirts.  Urban Outfitters, Zara, and Anthropologie are always a good bet too (especially the sale rack).

The news about UO, Zara, and Anthropologie was no big surprise {get in line for the sales rack, sister}, but the vintage Etsy shops?  You all should know by now how much I love Etsy.  Bing!  It was time for some research.  And here's what I discovered: I love Thrush Vintage. She has a great selection, most items are very reasonably priced, and she organizes all items by size, which I think is perfect {because what's the point of falling in love with a gorgeous top at first sight and then realizing it's not going to fit you?}.

Here are some of my favorite items from her shop:


Clockwise from top left:

Houndstooth pencil skirt, $26 {link}
Vintage 1970's blush pink shirtdress, $39 {link}
Seaside garden blouse, $28 {link}
Mustard messenger bag, $57 {link}
Vintage 1970's blue day dress, $43 {link}
Apple orchard fedora, $36 {link}
Vintage 1950's canary yellow party shoes, $43 {link}
Pink hearts sweater, $39 {link}

What do you think?  Does Thrush Vintage sound awesome, or what?  Would you buy something vintage without being able to try it on first?  {I think I might...}  Do you know and love The Rockstar Diaries as much as I do?  Leave a comment!

For a limited time, Martin + Osa is offering 30% off all Winter Sale items.  No coupon code is necessary; the discount is automatically applied at checkout.  M+O is a store that generally hovers above my price range, so getting a discount on items already on sale would definitely be the way to go.  Here are three things I would be glad to own:


1. Open Weave Print Silk Pocket Tee, $31.46 {link}
2. Peacoat, $90.96 {link}
3. Embroidered Shawl, $27.96 {link}

I think the tee is my favorite.  The subtle print is rad.

A quick note about things being rad:  When I was at BYU-I for one semester, first of all I was completely miserable and cold all the time.  But I had a roommate named Randi, and she was awesome.  We had so much fun together, making late-night runs at the laundromat, going to Horkley's, playing Phase 10 and watching Whose Line Is It Anyway.  When it was time for me to pack up and leave, I got the crazy idea for her to sign my navy comforter with a bleach pen so I could always remember her.  {Ummm.... It was late?  I was eighteen?}  But when she went to sign, she misspelled her name, and ended up writing "Rad Randi Blake," which I have called her forever after.  {Before then we always called each other Stu, short for Stu Pididiot}.  So when I call something rad, just know that I am honoring the best non-husband roommate I ever had, and that I really really mean that it's rad.

Back to normal stuff...  What do you think?  Are you up for a M+O sale?  See anything that you like?  {Do you have any awesome roommate stories you'd like to tell?}

Ever since the very beginning of 2010, I've been trying to hold myself back from thinking about spring.  I know in my mind that I still have the long, cold months of January, February and March to get through before the blessed warmth of April.  My head knows it's not time for spring yet, by my heart keeps getting excited.  "Flowers!" it yells.  "Shorts!  Picnics!"  "Hush," I say.  "It's supposed to snow tomorrow night.  You're bumming me out."

But then while browsing online today... I think I was looking at bauble necklaces {I like this one, this one, and this one}... I came across a necklace that wasn't what I was looking for, and actually it wasn't very pretty, but it was the most gorgeous shade of yellow.  Yellow is one of my favorite spring colors, and immediately, I began to crave yellow.  All kinds of things in all shades of yellow.  And so, here is my wishlist of yellow things: my schizophrenic, head-fighting-heart, winter meets spring {seriously, leather gloves and sunglasses together?} wishlist of yellow things:


1.  Destined Nail Color, $2.99, Tilly's {link}
2.  Opacity Posts, $24, Anthropologie {link}
3.  French Connection Aviators, $48, Nordstrom {link}
4.  Silk tiered cami, on sale $29.99, J. Crew {link}
5.  Classic Leather Gloves, $39.95, Martin + Osa {link}
6.  In-A-Moment Dress, $118, Anthropologie {link}
7.  Lei Trim Tee, $36.50, Loft {link}

That dress from Anthropologie, the only item on my list over $50, is nonetheless still my favorite.  {Although if I were ever lucky enough to own it, I would probably wear it with this to make sure my legs were covered down to my knees.}  What do you think?  Do you have a favorite yellow item {either from my list or from elsewhere}?  Are you craving spring already, or are you still enjoying winter?

There's a great sale going on at American Eagle:


You can save up to 60% off original prices by shopping their clearance section, and take another 15% off your entire order by using coupon code 56079843 at checkout!  {You can also get free shipping on orders of $100 or more.}  Here are a few things I adore {15% discount already applied}:

1.AE Peacoat, $42.45 {link}
2.AE Sweater Jacket, $33.95 {link}
3.AE Striped T-Neck Sweater, $12.70 {link}
4.AE Ruffle T, $10.15 {link}
5.AE Skinny Cord, $16.95 {link}
6.AE Favorite Pant, $16.95 {link}
7.AE Polka Dot Warm Scarf, $12.70 {link}
8.AE Circular Scarf, $10.15 {link}
9.AE Leather Graduate Boot, $25.45 {link}

What do you like the best? Are you going to take advantage of this great sale opportunity, or have you already spent all of your Christmas money {like I have...}? Are you an American Eagle fan?  Let me know -- leave a comment!

My very first look for less!  I'm so excited!  I'm also excited about bib necklaces.  I've never been one for layering on accessories -- I prefer one unfussy statement piece, and bib necklaces are just what I've been looking for.  {Although does anyone else think that the name "bib necklace" is a little silly?  I mean, I know where it comes from, but that doesn't mean I don't feel a little weird whenever I say it...}


Blu Bijoux Crystal Encrusted Ribbon Bib Necklace, Max & Chloe, $118 {link}
Flower Gemstone Bib Necklace, Fred Flare, on sale $17.99 {link}


Hanging Bellflower Bib Necklace, $138, Anthropologie {link}
Vintage Lace Bib Necklace, $22, erinkeys @ Etsy {link}

Did I say that the previous post was my last of the week? Yes. But am I awake in the wee hours of the morning, waiting for my husband to come home from midnight bowling? Oh, yes. {Because I just can't go to sleep without my husband. We've only been married for 20 months, and so far, we've never spent a night apart. Love him...} Is the upside to my sleep deprivation the fact that I discovered a wonderful sale going on at Loft? Most definitely. And could I stand knowing about this sale, without sharing it with all of my wonderful readers? Not a chance.


Saturday only, online and in stores, take 40% off {yes, that's forty percent off} all regularly priced items. {!!} Just enter coupon code PRESENTS at checkout to receive the discount.

Here are the items I'm in love with*:


1. Beaded Hibiscus Graphic Tee, $20.70 (link)
2. Lei Trim Tee, $21.90 (link)
3. Drapey Flutter Sleeve Top, $26.70 (link)
4. Rosette Smocked Cotton/Silk Blouse, $32.70 (link)
5. Relaxed Turtleneck with Linking Details, $29.70 (link)
6. Anorak with Waist Tie, $47.70 (link)
7. Sweater Dress with Petal Trim, $47.70 (link)
8. Stretch Canvas Pants with Belt, $35.70 (link)
9. Silver Chain Ribbon Necklace, $23.70 (link)

I am totally adoring #7. I want that dress right now. I think it's awesome how they paired such a feminine sweater dress {with such a pretty petal detail!} with an edgy black ankle boot. And they're styling navy with black? I am all over that. I am all over the whole outfit. Basically, I want to take everything that model has on, and put it on myself. {Maybe we could trade? She could borrow the BYU-I hoodie and argyle socks I'm currently wearing?}

What do you guys think? Which items are your favorite? Are you going to take advantage of this wonderful sale {perhaps to give someone on your list the perfect Christmas present}? Leave a comment!


*But not literally. I'm not literally in love with any of these items. Literally, I'm only in love with my husband. And as with all of my sale posts, the prices I post reflect the price you would receive after applying the promotional code. They are not the prices currently posted on the Loft website.

Another great sale:

Take an extra 25% off J. Crew's Holiday Sale with coupon code EXTRA25. J. Crew has recently added several lovely items to their sale section, which makes this even more exciting!

Here are some of my favorites*:


1. Sequin-ruffle tissue tank, $14.99 (link)
2. Slub cotton silk streamers tank, $18.74 (link)
3. Solid opaque tights, $7.49 (link)
4. Toothpick ankle cord, $29.99 (link)
5. Bouquet sash belt, $14.99 (link)
6. Crystal thornbush earrings, $29.99 (link)

What do you think? Will you be taking advantage of this just-before-Christmas promotion? And will a certain someone take this opportunity to purchase a Bouquet sash belt in ivory?

Happy weekend, everyone! I had a couple of other posts I was hoping to get out today, but with preparations for my brother-in-law's wedding, which is tomorrow, and all of the ensuing drama {and there is. so much. drama.}, that's just not going to happen. I wish everyone else a wonderful, fun, stress-free weekend!


{Thanks to J. Crew Aficionada for the tip!}

*As with all of my sale posts, the prices I post reflect the price you would receive after applying the promotional code. They are not the prices currently posted on the J. Crew website.

1. Wool bomber jacket, on sale $89, Victoria's Secret (link)
2. A-Line Box Pleat Skirt, on sale $49.95, Martin + Osa (link)
3. Pleated Flutter-Sleeve Top, $24.50, Old Navy (link)
4. Coloured Over The Knee Socks, $6.80, Asos (link)
5. Merona Solid Wrap, $12.99, Target (link)
6. Basic Flat Boot, $29.50, Wet Seal (link)

total: $212.74
{Or $123.74 without the jacket, which would be a major investment piece.}

What do you think? Do you like the outfit? Would you ever wear knee socks with knee-high boots? And will you forgive me for my blog-wrongdoings? {I hope so.}


Your internet friend,
Mary

I was browsing the new arrivals at Ruche this morning...

{...a much less traumatizing and more budget-safe pastime than looking through the new arrivals at Anthropologie, which I had to learn the hard way...}