Sew & Tell Interview

I had the opportunity to do an interview on Sew & Tell (a BreakThru Radio production), hosted by DJ Marie. It was so much fun. I would love if you would click through and give it a listen:

Uber Chic for Cheap Interview

Have a lovely weekend!

Two Little Letters {H&M}

Guess what coveted bargain-priced retailer is coming to Salt Lake City. H&M. I do not kid you.

If you follow me on twitter, you already know this, but I just had to share it again. Check out the whole Salt Lake Tribune article to read more. Here's a snippet:

Apparel retailer H&M is opening its first Utah store. H&M, short for Hennes & Mauritz, plans to open this fall a 23,000 square foot store at Fashion Place mall in Murray.

According to KSL, the store is scheduled to open in the fall. I still say that H&M should open online shopping to the US, but for the locals, this is the next best thing.

Leave your thoughts below.

Outfit Under $100 {Easy Coral}

Yesterday, DownEast Basics sent me an email featuring this dress, and I was immediately in love:

Pretty Parisian Dress - DownEast Basics - $36.99
Bead Cluster Layering Necklace - Charlotte Russe - $7.50
Xhilaratio Singne D'Orsay Flats - Floral - Target - $19.99
total: $64.48

I have to admit, I sing the praises of casual dresses more often than I put them into action in my wardrobe. I mean, the idea of one step dressing is appealing, no? I really like the color and ease of this option. Throw in a pair of patterned flats + a necklace and you are good to go.

What do you think? Do you wear dresses casually? I'd love to hear your tips. Leave your thoughts below.

Spied: Linen Blend Tunic

I can't get enough of blouses for the spring/summer. I really like the pattern and gauzy weight of this one:

Linen-Blend Tunic - Old Navy - $15.00-$19.50 (Orig. $26.50)

I would pair this with a pair of dark skinnies (big surprise) or a neutral elastic waste skirt and a pair of sandals. What would you wear it with? Leave your thoughts below.

Inspired: Anthropologie {full skirt + heels}

I saw this outfit on the Anthro website yesterday and thought it was definitely worth replicating, like, all summer long:

Here's my version:

With the Band Skirt - DownEast Basics - $29.99
Chiffon Peasant Top - Forever 21 - $8.50
Trend Report Gwyneth - Tan - Sears - $19.99 (Orig. $34.99)
Basketweave Leatherette Belt - Forever 21 - $8.80
Beaded Symphony Necklace - Forever 21 - $5.80
Woven Fringe Scarf - Forever 21 - $4.50
total: $77.58

What do you think of this look?  Leave your thoughts below.

Friday Wishlist: ECI Print Charmeuse Blouson Dress

Joy is killing it with her amazing clothes posts these last few weeks. First she had the blouse I was drooling over last week, and now this amazing dress:

ECI Print Charmeuse Blouson Dress - Nordstrom - $148.00

I love the shape and that watercolor print is to die for.

I have been thinking I might make a dress with a similar shape for the summer, and then I realized dresses + nursing = nightmare. So, I thought I might make a matching skirt + top (80's style) that look like a dress. I am still going for a similar silhouette by making a loose fitting blouse and an elastic waist skirt. We shall see how it turns out. If I dig it, I'll show it to you when I wear it.

Also, I wanted to let you guys know how much I enjoyed reading your comments on dressing to nurse. I am planning to go through the comments and post links to favorite items and tutorials for some of the DIY projects you mentioned. Look for that post next week.

I hope you all have an amazing weekend.

Look for Less: Ruche High Tea Elegnace Floral Dress

Rachael sent me this look for less earlier this week. She told me it was a dead ringer, and she was right!

High Tea Elegance Floral Dress - Ruche - $45.99 {sold out}
Floral Woven Dress - Forever 21 - $24.80

I think the pattern and shape are sweet. What do you think? Leave your thoughts below.

Reader Request: Steve Madden Riddgge Wedge

I recently got this request from Emily,

Hi Madeline!

I'm trying to find a bargain shoe, and knew if anyone could help, it's you and your blog. I'm looking for a dressy, black platform for my summer wardrobe similar to the Steve Madden ones below -- but they're $100. Any ideas?

Thanks!!
Emily

{Steve Madden Riddgge Platform Wedge Black Leather - $99.00}

I found a few options (none of them dead ringers, but all decent options):

Sweet Life Women's Perky - Famous Footwear - $49.99 (Orig. $59.99)
CL by Laundry Indulge Wedge Sandal - DSW - $39.95 (Orig. $55.00)
Aerosoles Women's Guava Plush Wedge Sandal - Endless - $29.95

I think my favorite is the middle one. What do you think? Leave your thoughts below.

Spied: Gauzy Plaid Shirt {+ thoughts on dressing to nurse}

I have been pondering my postpartum clothes probably more than I should. {I might be incredibly sick of my limited maternity wardrobe}. But I am way more focused on trying to flatter my body than I am on nursing access, which I know should be a pretty big consideration.

Mary said a few months ago she thought a wardrobe of button up shirts would be ideal for nursing, and I think she was right.

I spotted this top, and think it could be a fantastic light weight option for the summer.

Gauzy Plaid Shirt - Forever 21 - $12.50

I have been wondering about nursing tanks and tops. Do any of you have thoughts on them? I saw this one and thought it might be a good option:

Crossover Nursing Cami - Gap - $18 (Orig. $22.50)

So tell me your thoughts on nursing wear? What worked for you, what didn't? Leave your thoughts below.

Outfit Under $100 {Half-tucked Blouse}

I am loving the idea of a loose blouse half tucked into skinny jeans {like this outfit}. Here's how I would do it:

Split Collar Woven Shirt - Forever 21 - $18.90
Faceted Bead Necklace - Forever 21 - $5.80
Fab Skinny Jeans - Forever 21 - $10.50
Braided Leatherette Belt - Forever 21 - $6.80
Unionbay Jenna Kitten Heels - Kohls - 19.99 (Orig. $49.99)
total: $61.99

What do you think? Is this something you would wear? Leave your thoughts below.

Friday Wishlist: Zara Printed Blouse

Joy posted this blouse at Oh Joy earlier this week + now I am sort of completely obsessed with it:

Printed Blouse - Zara - $59.90

I can't get over the print + fit.

What do you think? Is this something you would wear? What's your fashion dream this week? Leave your thoughts below.

Happy Weekend.

Meet Ellie Cutler {Maternity Shoot}

I am so excited to introduce you guys to my latest sponsor, Ellie Cutler Photography. I had the opportunity to do a maternity photo shoot with her a few weeks ago (on the one pleasant Saturday we have had in quite some time, thank goodness). We went to Liberty Park to shoot and even though the carnival section wasn't completely up and running, we were able to get some really fun shots.

{See this dress I am wearing? My momma made it for me. Isn't it awesome? This was one of those instances where I invented a piece of clothing in my mind and couldn't rest until I had it for my very own. She and I went shopping for fabric and scored this white pin stripe on sale + she basically just invented the pattern.}

Without further ado, here are my favorite maternity shots:

See? She's awesome, right? If you want someone with a fun personality and an eye for composition + color, Ellie is your girl.

She specializes in engagements, weddings, family, children + babies, as well as maternity shoots. If you are looking to have photos done, make sure to check Ellie's portfolio out.

{website | blog}

Mark Your Calendars: Jylare Ann Photography

I have good news for you all. Jylare will be doing a few sessions away from home in the next few months! If you live in San Francisco, she'll be in the area in May.

If you are a Utah native, she'll be here in June + July.

She has included a little extra in these sessions- refer a friend, get 20% off!  Make sure to call and schedule ASAP.

Outfit Under $100 {Blouse + Wide Leg Denim}

My very favorite new show is Secrets from a Stylist, hosted by Emily Henderson (the latest winner of HGTV's Design Star).

Not only am I taken with the rooms she designs, I just can't get enough of her outfits. One look she has worn several times that I just love is a blouse / wide leg jeans combination:

Loose Fitting Silk Top - Forever 21 - $29.80
LC Lauren Conrad Bootcut Jeans - Kohls - $36.99
Leatherette Braided Skinny Belt - Forever 21 - $3.50
Merona® Elliana Wedge Sandals - Tan - Target - $24.99
total: $95.28

What do you think of wide leg denim making it back into the spring trends? Would you wear something like this? Leave your thoughts below.

Look for Less: Hunter Original Rain Boots

Liz Stanley posted this look for less at Babble earlier this week. It was such a good deal, I could help but share it.

Hunter Original Rain Boots - Saks Fifth Avenue - $125.00
Solid Rain Boots + 2 Liners - Walmart - $19.00

What do you think? Would you wear these? I keep meaning to buy a pair of rain boots... maybe this could be the pair. Leave your thoughts below.

Inspired: Anthropologie {drawing parallels}

I fell in love with this look a few weeks ago. Full skirts are sooooo in.

{worth $332}

Here's my budget take:

Rolled-Cuff Jersey Tee - $8.50 (Orig. $14.50) {look familiar?}
Lady Like Skirt - DownEast Basics - $14.99 (Orig. $32.00)
Wide Leaf Bracelet - Forever 21 - $10.80
Skinny Snakeskin Pattern Belt - New York & Co. - $13.96 (Orig. $19.95)
Jacey Clog Sandal - Payless - $24.99
total: $72.24

What do you think of this look?  Leave your thoughts below.

Spied: Kimchi Blue Canvas Peeptoe {Mint}

Remember my whining about not being able to find any mint heels this spring? Well, not only did I find a pair, but they are on sale, big time. 70% off kind of sale...

Kimchi Blue Canvas Peep-Toe Slingback Pump - Urban Outfitters - $14.99 (Orig. $49.00)

I am generally not a huge fan of sling backs for comfort/fit reasons, but would totally make any exception for theses. I need these. I want to buy them. Do you want to buy them? Leave your thoughts below.

Friday Wishlist: LC for Kohls Floral Tops

Two of my favorite things to wear during my pregnancy have been these Lauren Conrad tops. I doubly like them because I know I'll be able to wear them after the baby is born and that they'll help camouflage my less than stellar tummy. 

Anyway, I have decided that I pretty much want all of her loose fitting floral tops to live in this summer. These three are at the top of my list:

LC Lauren Conrad Floral Banded-Bottom Top - Kohls - $25.50 (Orig. $34.00)
LC Lauren Conrad Floral Dolman Top - Kohls - $23.80 (Orig. $34.00)
LC Lauren Conrad Floral Pleated Top - Kohls - $ 23.80 (Orig. $34.00)

I think the middle one is my favorite. What do you think? What's your fashion dream this week? Leave your thoughts below.

Happy Weekend.  

Outfit Under $100 {Tunic + Flats}

In anticipation of trying to figure out how to dress a postpartum body, I am increasingly drawn to less fitted tops. I especially like this one because it will camouflage the parts that aren't exactly the way they used to be while still showing off my waist. Can I just tell you how much I miss my waist? It doesn't hurt that it's under $10 either. Here is the outfit I built around it:

Skinny Twill Pants - Old Navy - $17.99 (Orig. $29.50)
Fab Slub Tunic w/ Belt - Forever 21 - $8.50
Xhilaration® Sinead Peep-Toe Flats - Turquoise - Target - $19.99
Textured Collar Necklace - Forever 21 - $8.80
total: $55.28

What do you think? Is this something you would wear? Leave your thoughts below.

I Could Do That: Summer Essential Skirt

Let me tell you about my number one summer essential (regardless of size). A simple DIY gathered skirt. Like this one:

{pic from last summer at the EVO social media conference}

I made this skirt last summer and practically lived in it. Let me tell you why it's the perfect piece of clothing. It's crazy easy to sew, you can pick your own fabric, you can decide on the fullness of the skirt, and possibly most importantly you can customize the length. So do yourself a favor and pick out some fabric and start sewing.

The tutorials I used:
Elastic Waist Skirt Tutorial | Freshly Picked
Lesson Plan: World's Easiest Skirt | What Would a Nerd Wear

Have any of you made a skirt like this? What's your summer essential? Leave your thoughts below.