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!

The gals over at Sensibly Styled are hosting a giveaway from DownEast Basics.  And yes, I entered to win!  I created an outfit around the Longitude Cardigan, one that I would love to own for spring.  All outfits have been posted on the Sensibly Styled website {one of my favorite modest clothing blogs, btw}, and readers get to vote for their favorites.  Head over here to check out all the outfits and here to vote.  I appreciate any support from my readers, but there are so many adorable outfits, I encourage you to vote for the one that's really your favorite.

Here's mine:


Clockwise from top left:

Amethyst geode silk top, $38.99, Ruche {link}
Longitude Cardigan, $34.99, DownEast Basics {link}
Curtain call tabbed purse in red, $39.99, Ruche {link}
Handmade golden leaf necklace, $44, Ruche {link}
Hasina orange beaded bracelet, $16.99, Ruche {link}
Pink Studio oxford pumps, $49.99, Ruche {link}
Long & lean jeans, $69.50, Gap {link}

As you can see, I relied heavily on Ruche, mostly because I totally love their style, but partly because if I had looked all over the Internet for my absolute favorite combination of clothes, I think my head would have exploded.  The whole outfit really adds up to much more than I would ever advise spending on one outfit {almost $300 -- yikes!}, but since I was going more for aesthetically pleasing than affordable, I let it slide.  Stay tuned, I'll post a similar outfit for less later today.

I know I've been posting about a lot of sales lately -- it's hard for me not to share a good deal when I find one. And speaking of good deals...
Check out the Holiday Deals Event at Gap.com, going on now until Sunday! Fifty percent off all regularly priced Women's and Men's Sweaters, 30% off all regularly priced Women's Outerwear, and 30% off select Men's items. Additionally, shipping is free with purchases of $50 or more.

Here's what I would love to buy for myself:


1. Luxe crewneck sweater, now $19.75 (link)
2. Ruffle-front henley sweater, now $22.25 (link)
3. Navajo turtleneck sweater, now $29.75 (link)
4. Cozy turtleneck sweater, now $19.75 (link)
5. Ruffle-trimmed military jacket, now $68.60 (link)

Here's what I would love to buy for Christian:


6. Marled zip-up cardigan, now $34 (link)
7. Merino v-neck sweater, now $24.75 (link)
8. Wool CPO jacket, now $54.60 (link)
9. Leather gloves, now $20.65 (link)
10. Multi-color knit scarf, now $17.15 (link)

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! If you plan to go shopping on Black Friday, have fun (and be safe)!

In my e-mail this morning: 25% off sale items at Gap.com, using coupon code GAPSALE25 at checkout, ending tomorrow! What a great opportunity for Christmas shopping! Here are some of my finds (prices reflect a 25% discount):


1. Crewneck sweater, on sale $22.49 (link)
2. Striped crewneck sweater, on sale $30 (link)
3. Ribbed V-neck sweater, on sale $26.25 (link)
4. Argyle V-neck sweater, on sale $30 (link)
5. Corsage striped tank, on sale $5.25 (link)
6. Pintucked henley T, on sale $14.99 (link)
7. Slender hip slung khakis, on sale $11.24 (link)
8. Striped straight leg cropped jeans, on sale $12.74 (link)
9. Cropped cords, on sale $22.49 (link)
10. Moleskin coat, on sale $33.74 (link)
11. Soft floral scarf, on sale $14.99 (link)
12. Plaid ballet flats, on sale $22.49 (link)

As I said in this post, leggings are not an acceptable substitute for pants. Never. Never ever ever. Especially, I feel, while camping, when you need something sturdy to protect your legs. In my camping expeditions, I have found a wonderful alternative item of clothing to cover my bottom half. Before I reveal what it is, let's take a little quiz.

Question 1: While camping, I often find myself...
a. hiking through shrubbery
b. climbing on rocks
c. falling down in the mud
d. all of the above
e. none of the above, but I want to be prepared for anything.

Question 2: When camping, I want an item of clothing that...
a. allows for freedom of movement
b. will wash easily
c. won't readily tear
d. looks awesome with the rest of my camping ensemble
e. all of the above.

Question 3: Ideally, my camping clothes should...
a. transfer easily into my regular wardrobe
b. look totally cute
c. be something I could wear again and again
d. all of the above.


Ready? If you answered d (or e) to any or all of the previous questions, then I think you'll be on board with my choice: corduroy.

Cords are awesome. They're sturdy, they don't stain easily, most of them are made with some stretch so they can fit close while still allowing you to move, they're thick enough to keep you warm, and best of all, they're cute and can also go with any number of non-camping outfits.

Choose a skinny or a bootcut cord depending on whether you like to wear your boots inside or outside your pants. If you don't plan on wearing boots while you're camping, then just pick whichever style you like best. Here are some cords that I think would be great for camping:

1. Boot cut cords, $54.50, Gap (link)
2. Real straight cords, $54.50, Gap (link)
3. Women's Mid-Rise Cord Trousers, $29.50, Old Navy (link)
4. AE Skinny Cord, $39.50, American Eagle (link)
5. Toothpick ankle cord, on sale $69.50, J. Crew (link)
6. Vintage matchstick cord, on sale $69.50, J. Crew (link)
7. Stretch bootcut cord, on sale $69.50, J. Crew (link)

It's down from $110 at Ann Taylor. The puffed sleeves, the satin bow, the chiffon overlay, the delicate pink color -- I love how soft and feminine it is.

Here's what I would wear it with:


1. Pleated denim jacket, $59.50, Gap (link)
2. Chandelier necklace, $24.99, Banana Republic (link)
3. Perfect Bow Short Sleeve Sweater, $49.99, Ann Taylor (link)
4. Moss green shoulder bag, $34.99, Ruche (link)
5. Real straight cords, $54.50, Gap (link)
6. Gambia Slouchy Boot, $19.50, Forever 21 (link)

total: $243.47

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

I feel the need to shop (I mean, really shop) two times during the year: halfway through spring, and at the beginning of autumn. My back-to-school-shopping instinct is definitely kicking in right now, and even though I'm not going back to school, I'm having a hard time restraining myself. Here are a few things that I would love for fall:

1. A scarf -- I think white would look crisp and clean with almost anything. Fab Dotted Swiss Scarf, $5.50, Forever 21 (link)
2. A new coat -- I need a long, neutral coat that could be dressed up or down. Vintage Wool Coat, on sale $72, Tulle (link)
3. A white t-shirt -- Again, white just looks good with everything, and you can never have too many white t-shirts. Perfect-fit short-sleeve scoopneck tee, on sale $14.99, J. Crew (link)
4. A drapey cardigan -- I love buying new sweaters for fall, and this one looks so comfy. Drape Front Cardigan, $38.50, Shade Clothing (link)
5. A new pair of jeans -- I have a tradition of buying a new pair of jeans every fall; like white t-shirts, you can never have too many pairs of dark-wash jeans that fit you perfectly. Perfect boot jeans, $69.50, Gap (link)
6. An easy pair of flats -- These shoes will go great with jeans. Mossimo Supply Co. Ondria Flats, $16.99, Target (link)

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

I'm thinking I might like to get a scarf. I like all of these:


1. Rugby Stripe Knit Scarf, $19.50, American Eagle (link)
2. Lightweight Floral Scarf, $24.50, Gap (link)
3. Lightweight Painterly Scarf, $24.50, Gap (link)
4. Bindya Floral Print Scarf, $58, Nordstrom (link)
5. Sally Striped Woven Scarf, $8.80, Forever 21 (link)
6. Fab Dotted Swiss Scarf, $5.50, Forever 21 (link)
7. Fringed Gauze Scarf, on sale $10, Old Navy (link)
8. Dot-Print Lightweight Scarf, on sale $10, Old Navy (link)
9. Lightweight Open-Weave Scarf, on sale $7.99, Old Navy (link)
10. Lightweight Jersey Scarf, on sale $7, Old Navy (link)