Friday Wishlist: Ruffle Tank

I love this top:


But I probably wouldn't have known I was in love with it until I saw this:

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Oh I want to wear that. All of it. Every day. Maybe not every day, but you get the idea. If you all aren't already reading t h e (c h l o e) c o n s p i r a c y, I suggest you check it out. She is a fashion genius, and a great writer.

Oh yeah, that top is the Wool Blend Jersey Ruffle Tank Top - Ann Taylor - $65

Anyway. What are you crushing on this week? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading,

Have a Happy Weekend!

Costume-a-Go-Go

Behold my Halloween Costume! I have already worn it once. I called it a Go-Go dancer, but I was asked if I was Twiggy and even Jackie-O (Oh Boy! White knee highs on Jackie O?!) Anyway. I posted about that Geometric Shift Dress when I bought it. And I borrowed the boots. So, the only money I spent was on eyelashes and a can of Aquanet. And I feel amazing in it, that's my favorite part!

Do you need some last minute ideas for Halloween Costumes? I stumbled upon the blog What I Wore, and it's fabulous in it's entirety. But, I really think you should check out her Halloween Costumes put together from her own wardrobe, they really are quite amazing.

What are your Halloween Costume plans? Leave a comment!

Happy Halloween!

Style Inspiration: Colored Tights

I got this email from Reva:

I ADORE the styles that the main character wears in Errand of Angels and wish I could do the colored tights look. But I don't know what the rules are for accesorizing with them - what shoes to wear, what colors with what?? Could you help me with a sample outfit I could try? Thanks so much!!

Colored tights have been all over the place for awhile now. From Gossip Girl to the runways, to the Errand of Angels (although sisters SO CANNOT wear brightly colored tights, haha).

I think colored tights are great, but I like to keep them on the understated side. If my tights are speaking loud, I let them carry the color of the ensemble. Here's an example of an outfit I would wear with colored tights:

Lace Cropped Cardigan - Charlotte Russe - $26.99
Calvin Klein Button Front Cap Sleeve Dress - Overstock - $29.99
Solid Tights - Old Navy - $6.50
Anstin Point Flat - Payless Shoesource - $19.99

What do you think of the outfit? Colored tights? If you wear them, leave your tips!

Also, here are a few links on other ways to wear colored tights (some of them are a lot more daring!)

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Thanks for reading and happy shopping!

Giftcard Card Giveaway (And Shade's Biggest Fans)

Shade clothing is giving away 5 $50 gift cards to 5 different women! Not just one winner, five.

Here’s the deal…

Are you one of Shade's 5 Biggest Fans?

PROVE IT.

Send them your evidence in the most creative way. Pictures, videos, poems, songs, letters, etc, however you want to express how much you LOVE Shade. Send to ali@shadeclothing.com by Friday Oct 30 at midnight. Shade giveaways will be given to the 5 best entries!

And you lucky readers also have an opportunity to win a $25 Shade giftcard right here.


Here are the rules:

EACH entry must be notified in the form of a comment on the blog. The winner will be determined by giving each entry a number and using random.org to select the winning number.

Anyone can enter (including you, anonymous readers). Just comment below with your first and last name and a valid email address so I can contact you if you win.

-Leave a comment telling me what you would buy from Shade with your fancy giftcard.
-Become a new follower of my blog and comment to let me know.
-Become a follower of the Shade blog and comment to let me know.
-Post about the giveaway and the Shade fan contest on your blog and send me your link, and leave a comment.

The Giveaway ends on Sunday, November 1, at Midnight (Mountain Standard Time).

Thanks for reading!

Spied: Tiered Dress

I decided to add a new feature. Often I stumble upon something that I think is cute and is a good deal. I often overlook items like this because I don't intend to build an outfit around it, or because it doesn't apply to a reader request. I have decided that this process of ignoring cute things is a crying shame, hence the new feature "spied".

So, now you know it just means, I stumbled upon something cute that I think is a good deal and I think some of you might like it, k?

Last night, I stumbled on this:


And, it's only $22.99?! With a positive review. So, that's something.

Cocomo Tiered Dress from Overstock ($22.99)

J.Crew Cardi: The Look For Less

I got an email from Chloe asking for this cardigan for less. At first, I thought I knew exactly where to go. I had seen an olive colored boyfriend cardi at Target. Alas, it sold out (and quickly I might add). So, I found this instead:


Forever Cardigan (in Burnished Olive) - J.Crew
Boyfriend Cardigan (in Green) - Alloy

What do you all think? Am I close? Would you wear it? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading!

And that giveaway is tomorrow, so come back then.

Happy Shopping!

Reader Request: Anthro Skirt

I got this request from Hillary:

I just love the Sidestep Skirt from Anthropologie, but it was expensive so I waited for it to go on sale. Now they're all sold out in my size. (EDITOR'S NOTE: it's completely sold out now) I was wondering if you had any suggestions for a knee-length (not too short, because I'm really tall) skirt, preferably with some navy/pale blue/or gray in it since I have some fabulous navy and gray shoes I want to show off!


I couldn't find something with the cute ruffle detail (some things just can't be found for less!), but I did find a few budget options:


1 - Plaid Wool Crepe Tulip Skirt - Ann Taylor Loft - $39.99 (Orig. $69)
2 - Ruched Pencil Skirt - Alloy - $29.90
3 - Plaid Sailor Pencil Skirt - Gap - $54.99

What do you all think? Leave a comment!

Also, there is a giveaway coming later this week, so make sure to come back!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Friday Wishlist: Saltwater Dress

I am going share a little secret with you guys. I write my posts the night before they display. I schedule them for 7 AM Mountain time and they magically appear while I am laying in my bed.

This is because I am not a morning person. Not at all. My coworkers who see me stumble in at 9:30 looking like a it's 6, can attest to this. This is not usually a problem. Blogger and I have an agreement. I Night Owl it up and schedule it for all the Early Birds to read, everybody wins. Last night blogger was down. Not at a reasonable hour at which I could wait for it's return either, from midnight until 2. So, readers, it's 8:00 AM on my day off and I am writing. You better love me. Grin.

On to my wishes and dreams:



Saltwater Clothing has burst on to the blogosphere lately, and it's not hard to see why. Their whole line is something to covet. I say covet, not have, because it is spendy! (Of course it is, it's Wishlist day!) I suggest you go drool over it anyway.

This little lovely is the Brush Strokes Wool Crepe Dress - £98 (or about $159.90)

What do you think? What's your object of fashion desire this week? Leave a comment.

{As seen on mary's wishlist}
Has anyone else noticed that her wishlist is becoming my wishlist? Read her blog, it's very good.

Check It Out

I read a great article over at Wardrobe Oxygen about the Self-Depreciating Comment. And I loved it! You should all check it out. Find it here.

I'll be back to regular posting tomorrow.

XOXO

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What I did last night

So, I don't really have a post for you. I was up late painting pumpkins for my upcoming church Halloween party that my husband and I are in charge of. My craft group got together and made pumpkins resembling these:

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We used spray paint (gold was my favorite) and used small cans of paint and brushes to add the designs. They turned out beautiful. Many thanks to Ali, Amanda, Kristyn, and Karina for all their help. Goodness knows I couldn't do all this nonsense myself.

Everyone should try this! It makes a show stopping centerpiece (or 20).

Reader Request: Banana Republic Finds

Sasha, of A Sparkle in Time, sent me some requests from her most recent perusal of the Banana Republic website. Here are my bargain finds:


Heritage Chunky Sweater Vest - Banana Republic - $98.00
Cap Sleeve Cable Cardigan - Forever 21 - $22.80 (Also vailable in cream, I just liked this picture...)
(Also, that F21 model is totally Analeigh Tipton from Season 11 of ANTM)
Cable Knit Sweater Vest - Nordstrom - $44.00


Monogram Twisted Bead Necklace - Banana Republic - $198.00
Convertible Chain Necklace/Bracelet - QBDX's Etsy Shop - $45.00
Brambles Necklace - Nettlz Etsy Shop - $19.00


Tiered Skirt - Banana Republic - $70.00
Tiered Satin Mini - Forever 21 - $17.80
Tiered Petal Mini Skirt - Arden B. - $38.00
Gianni Bini "Nora" Skirt - Dillard's - $52.80 (Orig. $88.00)

What do you all think? Did I hit my mark? Do you like the items, expensive or bargain (or both)? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Post Purchase Let Down

I recieved an email from Lynn the other day. And it spoke to a problem that I myself have had, and am learning to deal with. This is what she said:

Hi! I really enjoy your your blog as sales and steals make me weak in the knees. However, I'm often disappointed with my purchases. The fit, color, quality--it never seems to look quite right and my super deal ... hangs for months in my closet until I finally give up on the dream of looking like the J.Crew catalog. Any advice on how you avoid shopping regrets?

I suppose I'll start by giving some background info on my shopping habits. When I was in Jr. High and High School finances in my home were very tight. We always had enough, but there was not extra money for me to buy lots of clothes. So, from a fairly young age, I purchased many of my own clothes. My money was limited (babysitting doesn't exactly make you a high roller), and to complicate things we moved to a small town where my clothing options were Walmart and D.I. (a thrift store like the Goodwill). This was the time that I really learned to bargain shop, as I did most of my shopping at the thrift store.

I love a thrift store as much as the next person, but these types of stores created a problem for me. If I find an item and the fit is a little off, I find I am more likely to buy it for 2 reasons.
1 - It's not a big investment, so who cares?
2 - I won't find it in another size, so snatch that Banana Republic blazer up, it's Banana Republic for $10!

So, I have made a few rules for myself when bargain shopping.

RULES:

1-Don't let the detail sell you
I am a sucker for details: pintucks, ruffles, cute buttons, and of course fabric. I can get sucked in to buying something that doesn't actually flatter or fit me if it has a little something extra that I want for my very own.

2-Who cares if it's Chanel?
Don't let a brand alone sell you. This may give an indication of quality, but if it's not a style you would normally wear, walk away. If it doesn't match anything you own, it will never match anything you own. And if it does not fit you right, it never will. Leave it on the rack!

3-Fit Fit Fit
The truth is that how you feel in your clothes all comes down to how they fit. Don't buy things without trying them on, and when you do try them on, examine them honestly.

Ask yourself:
Does it really flatter you?
Will you actually wear it?
Do you have other things in your closet you can picture pairing it with?
Do you feel good about the price?
Do you need to have it?
Do you have the money?

If you answer yes to those questions, then I say go for it.

I am not perfect at following these rules all the time, but I am getting better, and so is my wardrobe.

What are your tips to avoid shopping regrets? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading!

What's the Skinny?

Lizney had an itch for some new skinny belts. But not just any belts, she wanted some with a little extra something, like an animal print. J.Crew sells belts like these for a pretty penny.


(Cheetah Calf-hair Belt - $68, Tortoise Patent-leather Belt - $39.50, Skinny Cheetah Calf-hair Belt - $55)
Here are a few skinny belts that you don't have to forgo buying groceries for:


1 - Zebra Skinny Belt Set (of 2) - Forever 21 - $4.50
2 - Skinny Leopard Belt - Forever 21 - $4.80
3 - Mave Belt Set (of 4) - Alloy - $24.90
4 - Faux Leather Skinny Belt - Forever 21 - $2.50
5 - Skinny Metallic Belt - American Eagle - $6.95 (Orig. $24.50)
6 - Leopard Kinny Belt Set (of 2) - Forever 21 - $4.50
7 - Superskinny Pearlized Patent Belt - J.Crew - $14.99 (Orig. $24.50)

What do you all think? Do you wear skinny belts? How about animal prints? Together? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Check it Out

Just a few things I wanted to share with you before the weekend starts:

Sally at Already Pretty, wrote a fabulous a post on the Psychology of Enough, when it comes to shopping. I definately needed to read it, and I ate the whole thing up. (If this isn't a site you frequent, I suggest that you start; Sal has wonderful insites, and is a fantastic writer).

Shade is offering up to 40% off of some of their new fall arrivals through Monday! So, if you have been eyeing something but haven't taken the plunge, now is a great opportunity. Also, Shade wants to give new wardrobes to 5 deserving women in the community, read more about it and nominate someone, here.

Remember that fabulous cardigan Keri Russell had on in this week's look for less? Well, Susan at Freshly Picked, posted a tutorial on how to make those incredible ruffles and attach them to a cardigan of your own. Anyone up for the challenge?
{Thanks, Liz, for pointing that post out!}

Anything else you all saw and wanted to point out? Leave a comment!

Have a happy weekend!

Friday Wishlist: Pleated Neck White Dress

I don't often wear dresses. I think it's a combination of the fact that I am really shortwaisted so they rarely fit right, and my intense pickiness. Deep down, I know in order for me to find a dress that I love (and that loves me back), I am going to really have to pay for it.

Can you say investment piece? Right now, all I can say is budget, budget, budget.

(budget)

I spied this dress, and I can't stop thinking about it:


Calvin Klein Pleated Neck Belted Dress - $89.99 (Orig. $158.00)

What do you all think of it? Do you wear dresses? Have a crush on any particular one right now? Leave a comment!

Have a happy weekend!

{As seen on mary's wishlist - one of my favorite reads}

ON: Birthday Sale

Old Navy is having a Birthday. They sent me an email offering 15% off of any purchase (through the end of today) using a coupon code at checkout.


I found a few things I wouldn't mind getting a 15% discount on:


1 - Ruffled Sateen Top - $20.83 (Orig. $24.50)
2 - Low-Rise Skinny Pants - $25.07 (Orig. $29.50)
3 - Peep-Toe Wedges - $17.00 (Orig. $20.00)
4 - Sliver-Wedge Boots - $33.58 (Orig. $39.50)
5 - Button-Shoulder Sweater - $13.50 (Orig. $15.00)
6 - Wool-Blend Funnel-Neck Coat - $76.07 (Orig. $89.50)

To get the discount don't forget to use the coupon code: ONBDAY15 at checkout.

What do you all think? What are your favorites? Has anything else at Old Navy caught your eye this fall? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Reader Request: Banana Republic Cardigan

Heidi Jo wanted to me to find this Banana Republic cardigan for less:


Isn't it fabulous? I have scoured the internet and come up with a few options. None of them are dead ringers, but I like them all for one reason or another.



1 - Pintucked Cardigan - Forever 21 - $24.90
2 - Ruffle Front Cardigan - Martin & Osa - $39.75 (Orig. $79.50)
3 - Pleated Lace Cardigan - Charlotte Russe - $22.99

What do you think? Am I close? Which one is your favorite? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading, and as always, Happy Shopping!

Cowboy Boot Styling Tips

I got a request from Sara a few weeks ago, saying:

My family recently moved to Austin, TX and I found a great pair of cowboys boots. Problem is, I don't really know what to wear them with now that I have them. I know I could always pair them with jeans, but I'm wondering if they would look okay with a dress? Do you have any suggestions on things I could buy to wear them with now for fall that won't be crazy expensive? I would love any advice or tips you could give me.

I have seen cowboy boots all over the place lately, and I don't even live in Texas. Last week, a girl crossed the street in front of my car wearing a sleek pair of black cowboy boots and a simple black sweater dress.

So, here are just a few ideas to pair your boots with this fall:


1 - Turtle Neck Sweater Dress - Target - $40.00 (Orig. $59.99)
2 - Belted Cowl Dress - Charlotte Russe - $24.99
3 - Ruffle Wrap Dress - Target - $29.99


4 - Tabitha Rolled Shirt - Forever 21 - $19.90
5 - Belted Wrap Sweater - Forever 21 - $34.00
6 - Slub Shawl Cardigan - Forever 21 - $17.80
7 - Seamless Leggings - Charlotte Russe - $7.99
8 - Five Pocket Skinny Jean - Forever 21 - $9.50

I think something to keep in mind when wearing your boots is to keep "country" out of the rest of your look. This will keep your outfit from encroaching on costume territory.

What do you all think of cowboy boots? Any tips for wearing them? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

Check it Out: One shirt, Seven Days

Did you all see Shade's clever post on how to wear their striped oxford 7 different ways?


It's a great post and I think it's worth a look. Find it here.

Keri Russell's Look For Less

New reader, Nichole, sent me a request for this Keri Russell look. And I love it. I already loved Keri Russel because she's fabulous (Felicity Season 1, anyone?), but the style she is exuding in this magazine shot brings my admiration to a whole new level!


Here is my best stab at her look on a budget:


Ruffled Cardigan - Forever 21 -$29.00
Striped Woven Top - Forever 21 - $15.80
Lace Trim Cami - Forever 21 - $5.80
Bootcut Jean - Forever 21 - $27.80
Patent Loafer - Urban Outfitters -$38.00
TOTAL: $116.40

The most difficult thing to find for this look was a button up shirt with horizontal stripes. I never did find one that I liked. So, I substituted a more traditional vertical striped top. But, other than that I feel like I hit pretty close to the mark.

What do you all think? Did I get it right? Is it something you would wear? Leave a comment!

Also, I just added a contact feature over to the right, so if you have a request, you can just click the button to submit it!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!

DownEast Basics Steps Up Their Game

Frosted Flower Cardigan - $34.99

DownEast? Seriously? I would pay full price for this.... and that is saying something.

I am on my way to find one of these in stores. Right now.

I'll let you all know what I think of it in person.

Friday Wishlist: Wool Ribbon Script Coat

I have a red coat. But I want this red coat. Isn't that ribbon detail divine?

Wool Ribbon Script Coat - J.Crew - $275

What's on your outerwear wishlist as it gets crisp outside? Leave a comment!

Have a happy weekend!

Pencil Skirt Styling Tips

Last week, I did a post on pencil skirts. A few of you mentioned being admirers not wearers and I am hoping to change your minds! Also, Jessica asked if I could help with some ideas on what to wear a pencil skirt with, as she has gotten back into form after baby #5. (Hooray!)

Here are a few different ideas:

{1, 2, 3, 4}
America Ferrera's colored top has the most beautiful neckline, which draws attention to her beautiful face!

Angelina Jolie's blousy top is cinched with a thin tonal belt. This can give shape to a thick middle without calling attention to it.

Victoria Beckham knows how to rock a pencil skirt! Here she pairs it with a fitted button-up (the classic pencil skirt combination).

From J.Crew is an offbeat pairing of tweed pencil skirt and graphic tee. I may not make this exact pairing, but I love the idea of wearing a simple tee (or possibly an embellished one) tucked into a pencil skirt.

Here are a few tops to pair with pencils:


1 - Upper Lattice Woven Top - Forever 21 - $22.80
2 - Striped Jersey Blouse - Tulle - $16.00 (Orig. $40.00)
3 - Long Sleeve Oxford - Shade - $36.50
4 - Watercolor Graphic Tee - Old Navy - $14.50

Also, don't forget your body shape. If you are a pear (not sure?, click here to find out), you need to keep a few things in mind. Your hips and thighs are the widest part of your body, and you don't want to draw too much attention to that. Wear a bit of volume and color on top to draw the eye up. Also, make sure your skirt doesn't cut in too much at the hem. You want a skirt that is more straight, or one that actually flairs a bit at the bottom.

What's your favorite way to wear a pencil skirt? Leave a comment!

Thanks for reading, and as always,

Happy Shopping!