A Picture Is Worth {No. 28}

By fashion contributor Mary.

One of my favorite fall trends is mixing plaids. This week's inspiration image is a great example of just how awesome it can look:

Here's my more affordable version, all for under $175:

sunglasses, $5.80 || scarf, $10.90 || coat, $37.80 || tee, $12 || bag, $22.90 || jeans, $48 || boots, $35

o p t i o n s

scarf: one || two || three || four || five || six

coat: for $46 || for $47.90 || for $57.80 || for $70

tee: from Old Navy || from Forever 21 || from Express || from LOFT

bag: faux leather || luxe sling || buckle || washed leather

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 27}

By fashion contributor Mary.

I think this week's inspiration image is just so adorable. I love the subtle combination of prints (polka dots always read fun to me), and that shade of yellow is my favorite. It's all incredibly down-to-earth and wearable, something that I feel like I could pull out of my closet and put on tomorrow, while still being sophisticated.

Here is my version for just under $116:

sweater, $28 || tank, $19.97 || skirt, $24.99 || belt, $12.97 || wedges, $29.70

o p t i o n s

sweater: one || two || three || four

skirt: from J.C. Penney || from Target || from Lands' End || from Asos

belt: for $9 || for $14.99 || for $17 || for $19.99 || for $38

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

Inspired: Messy Braids

The weather is getting cooler, my kids are in preschool, and all of it gives me back-to-school flashbacks. I'm inspired by old episodes of Felicity - leather backpacks and chunky sweaters and most of all, messy braids. Here are a few images that capture that feeling perfectly:

{ 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 }

What about you? What are you doing with your hair this fall?

By fashion contributor Mary.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 26}

By fashion contributor Mary.

Okay, so I know that every week I say that that week's inspiration image is one of my all-time favorites. I say that about every image I post about, and actually every time it's true (I have a lot of favorites). But this week, the inspiration image is really truly honestly in my top five favorites. I've been searching for a look alike to this top for months, and I finally found one.

That (amazing) sweater is from Madewell, but it's currently sold out. Luckily, Old Navy made a tee that's almost identical for EIGHT DOLLARS. Check it out:

clutch, $26.98 || top, $8 || jeans, $27.99 || watch, $18.80 || boots, $34.94

o p t i o n s

clutch: crushed satin || leather || beaded || textured

similar tops: one || two || three || four || five

watch: for $18.80 || for $19.90 || for $22.80

boots: from Charlotte Russe || from H&M || from Urban Outfitters || from DSW

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 25}

By fashion contributor Mary.

I love outfits that are classy with an edge, outfits that mix prints, and outfits that go well with a simple red lip. This image (including a pleated leather skirt, polka dots and leopard, perfect red lipstick) is all three.

While the pieces in the inspiration outfit add up to more than $1000 (yikes!), I've put together this affordable look for a tenth of that price:

clutch, $26.98 || shoes, $22 || top, $29.95 || skirt, $20 || bracelet, $6

o p t i o n s

shoes: one || two || three || four || five

top: J. Crew Factory || Express || J. Crew || Jones New York

bracelet: for $5.80 || for $15 || for $19.95 || for $23.97

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 24}

By fashion contributor Mary.

This week's inspiration image is perfection. I'm a casual person, and I'm always looking for ways to wear basic pieces so that I come off looking more like an easy-going minimalist and less like I shop at Goodwill. (Not that there's anything wrong with shopping at Goodwill, but I don't think anyone wants to look like they shop at Goodwill.) The key with this outfit is sophistication, which she adds in her hair and makeup. Overall, it comes across very elegant. Très weekend chic. I love it.

Here's a more affordable version that I've put together for less than $100:

tote, $25.60 || sweater, $19.95 || jeans, $13.98 || sandals, $39.95

o p t i o n s

tote: for $17.95 || for $40 || for $57.99

sweater: one || two || three

jeans: from Forever 21 || from H&M || from JC Penney || from Old Navy

sandals: double buckle || gold strap || gladiator || gold bar detail

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 23}

By fashion contributor Mary.

I'm currently in a very determined state of denial. I love summer, and the idea that fall is just around the corner is so sad to me that I'm choosing not think about it at all. I mean, It's August! August is a summer month! Our family still has our annual beach trip coming up! Summer can't be close to ending yet.

However, all of the clothing catalogs that have made their way into my mailbox recently have all featured fall clothing, and in the back of my mind I've been evaluating new purchases: will this transition well into cooler weather? This week's inspiration image is such a great transitional outfit. The feel is still totally summer, but the long skirt and jacket (click the above link for more pictures) would work well in an autumn wardrobe.

Here's my version on a budget, for just under $125:

purse, $28 || top, $35 || skirt, $37 || sunglasses, $3.80 || sandals, $21

o p t i o n s

purse: one || two || three

top: for $21.99 || for $24.99 || for $34.97 || for $44 || for $76

skirt: from Target || from 6pm || from Nordstrom || from LOFT + the original (on sale!)

sandals: for $30 || for $37 || for $43 || for $48

+ the gray motorcycle jacket (on sale!)

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 22}

By fashion contributor Mary.

The sad truth about fashion (at least, when you're shopping on a budget) is that some pieces are truly one of a kind. When searching for look-a-likes this week, I found blue floral skirts and pleated skirts and striped skirts, but none that put all those qualities together exactly like the inspiration image:

However, I did find pieces that echo the feel of the above outfit. (Even though you can't see the model's feet, I threw in a pair of nude wedges. Wedges are easy enough to ride a bike in, right? What shoes would you add to this ensemble?)

blouse, $45|| skirt, $49 || wedges, $55

o p t i o n s

blouse: one || two || three

skirt: stripe || floral || white || embroidery || pin-tuck

wedges: for $19 || for $30 || for $31 || for $34

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 21}

By fashion contributor Mary.

When I first heard of track pants, I thought it was a joke. I saw a post title pop up in my Bloglovin' feed that said "6 Ways to Wear Track Pants" and when I clicked through, I fully expected to see an outfit featuring the bottom half of a velour jumpsuit. (Insert awkward emoji showing all its teeth here.) But I have since learned my lesson.

If you too are feeling a little confused, here's the rundown: track pants are basically a socially acceptable way of wearing pajamas in public (seriously, Merrick even has a tutorial on how to turn actual sleepwear into track pants). They're loose and made of comfortable material, and look like heaven to wear:

I loved this week's inspiration image so much, I did my best to recreate down to the last accessory. My total this week is a little higher than usual (due to the number of items I'm including), but I still managed to scrape in under $180:

necklace, $22 || tee, $20 || tote, $17 || pumps, $28 || pants, $30 || blazer, $37 || watch, $19 || sunglasses, $5

o p t i o n s

necklace: iconic baguette || brass plated || crystal feather || deco square

tote: from Forever 21 || from H&M || from Dorothy Perkins || from Zara || from Neiman Marcus

pants: one || two || three || four || five || six

blazer: for $26.99 || for $29.80 || for $34.99 || for $37.50 || for $62.98

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 20}

By fashion contributor Mary.

This week's inspiration image comes from what is possibly my new favorite fashion blog, Unfancy. Caroline is all about having a minimalistic wardrobe full of items that you just love, which is something I aspire to (and fall short of, constantly. I pare down my wardrobe often, trying only to keep my favorite versatile pieces, but I still end up looking at my closet and wondering why I hate all my clothes).

I love how, in the outfit below, she pairs neutrals together in a way that feels fresh and urban instead of boring. And I think it's a genius move to help different black and brown pieces get along together by throwing in an animal print.

Here, I've put together a similar look for under $100:

glasses, $9.75 || clutch, $26.98 || tee, $14.94 || skirt, $21 || booties, $26.24

o p t i o n s

tee: "Amour" || "J'Adore" || "On the Road" || "Fantastique"

skirt: one || two || three || four || five

booties: for $40 || for $45 || for $70

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 19}

By fashion contributor Mary.

When it comes to dressing for patriotic holidays, there are those who try to look like they're literally wearing the American flag, and there are those who take a more subtle approach. Personally, I fall in the latter category. I try for an outfit that I would wear on any other day that just happens to contain red, white and/or blue. This week's inspiration image is perfect to me: it's a classically American girl-next-door look, and the red lip is a perfect final touch to a blue and white outfit.

My version is under $120. Just add some red lipstick and you'll look perfect for Independence Day!

sunglasses, $14 || baseball tee, $29.99 || bracelet, $22.86 || jeans, $24.95 || loafers, $24.95

o p t i o n s

sunglasses: one || two

baseball tee: from Asos || from Old Navy || from J. Crew

jeans: for $29 || for $30 || for $35 || for $40 || for $45

loafers: fur || lasercut || zipper trim || patent leather || snakeskin

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 18}

By fashion contributor Mary.

I love this week's look. It's sweet without being cutesy, simple but not boring, on trend but not too trendy. My husband described it as "affluent librarian," but I think that only speaks to its sophistication - with a color like mint in the mix, this outfit is anything but stuffy.

I've put together my own version for less than $150:

shirt, $34.50 || blazer, $64.99 || pants, $9.95 || pumps, $39.99

o p t i o n s

shirt: from Forever 21 || from Dillard's || from Express || from J. Crew

blazer: 3/4 sleeve || lace cuff || notch-collar || two button

pumps: one || two || three || four + my favorites

P.S. I think the image originally came from this shop (as a product photo or a lookbook image, maybe?), but it can no longer be found there.

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 17}

By fashion contributor Mary.

This week's inspiration image is such a sweet and simple summer outfit. I think the cat eye makeup brings a bit of edge to her look, and I love it as a way to show off one of the beautiful floral tees that Madeline featured last week.

Here's my version for under $115:

hat, $12.80 || necklace, $24 || tee, $25.99 || skirt, $24.95 || bag, $19.99 || flats, $7

o p t i o n s

magnifying glass necklace
tee: for $11.99 || for $12.80 || for $14.98 || for $19.99

skirt: one || two || three || four

bag: from H&M || from Neiman Marcus || from Nordstrom

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 16}

By fashion contributor Mary.

If there's one quality I value in an outfit (after being flattering and being affordable), it is being easy. With four kids and a busy schedule, I can't emphasize too many times how little thought I want to spend on getting dressed. I love to spend time shopping, but once the clothes are actually in my closet, I want ensembles that basically put themselves together.

This week's inspiring image is simple in its basic components (white top + pencil skirt + flat sandals), but the details of each item make it interesting. The floral pattern, sleeve detail, and delicate gold accessories bring everything together to look effortlessly cool.

Here's my version for less than $135:

bangles, $4.99 || sandals, $29.99 || tee, $29.95 || skirt, $35 || pendant, $5.80 || clutch, $26.98

o p t i o n s

sandals: one || two || three || four || five

tee: lace top || textured cap sleeve || open panel

skirt: $17.80 || $26 || $28.58 || $49.07 || $66.69

clutch: envelope clutch || box clutch

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 15}

This summer crop tops seem to be everywhere. But as someone who has no interest in baring my stomach, I was happy to let the trend pass me by. Until I saw this outfit. It manages to take a trend I associate with someone much younger than I and pulls it into seriously sophisticated territory.

Here's my version, for under $130.

crop top, $16 || jeans, $10 || blouse, $25 || bag, $25 || bracelet, $9 || sunglasses, $5 || shoes, $21

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 14}

By fashion contributor Mary.

When it comes to getting dressed in the morning, I have a simple formula. I use it every day. High waisted denim leggings in a dark wash + a top with some kind of interest + this necklace. Since my goal is to get ready (dressed, with makeup on, teeth brushed, and my Instagram feed checked) in under ten minutes, this formula works for me. It's easy, if sometimes a little monotonous.

So I'm always impressed when someone turns my formula on its head and goes for the statement pant. This week's image isn't a look that I would feel comfortable in, but I think it looks incredible on other women (see also: dramatically high heels, bracelets, leather leggings, and structured jackets). I especially love how she's paired floral pants with a floral shoe - it kind of screams "I'M NOT SHYING AWAY FROM THE FLORAL!" and I think it's amazing.

Here's my own version for under $150 (yeesh, floral shoes are expensive!):

sunglasses, $5 || clutch, $19.99 || t-shirt, $19.99 || pants, $28.99 || necklace, $22 || pumps, $49.95

o p t i o n s

pants: from JC Penney || from H&M || from Asos

necklace: one || two || three || four || five || six

pumps: for $39.95 || for $49.98 || for $59.95 || for $65.99 (the originals!)

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.

A Picture Is Worth {No. 13}

By fashion contributor Mary.

Here's the thing about Tumblr: I hate it. I hate it and I hate it and I hate it. Part of the reason (or all of the reason) I hate Tumblr is that I'm fastidious about finding the original sources of images on the Internet so I can cite them properly, and Tumblr is the place where original sources go to die. Everyone's just re-posting everything from everyone else. It's anarchy. (Pinterest isn't perfect either, but at least it isn't total chaos.)

This week's image is one of my all-time favorites. Natalie is gorgeous and hilarious and I've been following her blog since I've been following blogs. But I can't for the life of me find the original source of this image. Pinterest leads me to this Tumblr account, a reverse Google image search takes me to several different travel Pinterest boards (I'm not sure what about this image screams travel - the bag? the hat?), and a search of Natalie's blog leads me to this post, which looks like it should contain the image but doesn't. It's all a huge headache, and of course I blame Tumblr.

Let's focus on the positive, though, shall we? This outfit is pretty dreamy. I love that it's brimming with interest - stripes, pleats, texture, a floral print, a pop of color - it's just perfect. And here I've recreated the outfit on a budget:

hat, $12.95 || bag, $40 || tee, $45 || skirt, $39 || belt, $18.84 || pumps, $44.99

o p t i o n s

bag: doctor tote || perforated leather || messenger bag

tee: from Zara || from Lands' End || from J. Crew || from Ann Taylor

skirt: for $38 || for $54 || for $55

You can follow Mary on Pinterest here and Madeline on Pinterest here.