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Friday, October 30, 2009

weekly budget finds!

i constantly find myself in search of a simple dress to throw on for the weekend. something not to expensive, not to dressy and very comfortable! usually when i shop for dresses, its all about the sale rack. if you are going to get a dress with a busy print or design, don't spend a lot. instead, spend more on your basic dress that can grow with your wardrobe.



lucky brand, checkered western shirt-$99
throw on some boots, get a great belt and find your inner cowgirl!

frenchi, v-neck dress-$39
a love this brand because it makes simple, quality garments.
comes in more colors also
forever 21, leopard party dress-$22.80
i love this dress because it is understated and not obnoxious. for fall/winter, throw on a bright cardigan or bomber jacket, tights and booties.

banana republic, wool blend sweater dress-$98
um, i pretty much want to be her. enough said.

aqua, ruffled dress-$78
a sweet, romantic choice. a little more dressy but can also be more causal with a little jacket and flat boots.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

winter white wonderland

i don't know why, but nothing makes me more happy than a big cashmere scarf and a winter white coat! they are everywhere this year and come in plenty of styles, lengths and prices. the only big down fall with this look is keeping the coat clean. i bought a cream wool coat two seasons ago from j.crew and usually get it dry cleaned twice throughout fall/winter. this is a great look to wear with all different colors, all different scarves all season long.

topshop, furry hood duffle coat-$160
this is a company out of the uk but will ship to the usa. there is only one store in the usa that i know of and that is in nyc in soho. i just went last week and it is pretty awesome!


banana republic, short toggle coat-$180
i love this look with the big toggles on the front on the coat. this look will really get you into the winter mood!

forever 21, wool blend overcoat-$39.80
a great simple, sophisticated option for an unbeatable price

jessica simpson, flared sleeve double breasted coat-$142.50
i am loving the high turtleneck look of this jacket. the flared sleeves give this jacket a more updated look and this jacket can be worn on top of anything.

kensie, second layer coat-$158
this is probably my favorite from this list. this look can be dressy worn with a dress and tights or go casual with riding pants and flat boots.

via, double breasted ruffle coat-$129
the ruffles definitely make for a romantic look

miss sixty, ivory wool cable standing collar double breasted coat-$162
i am loving the military look this season and this coat falls right into that category. this look is also very flattering on most body types because of the flair at the bottom of the coat.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

time to get cozy

stripes are popping up in stores everywhere in irresistible cozy cardigans. unfortunately, i do not get the chance to wear them very often but that did not stop me from buying a few! stripes on cardigans, tanks and jackets and can add a little variety to any wardrobe. i think that owning at least one striped cardigan is a must for everyone. put on top of a little dress with tights and boots or with skinny jeans and a bright colored tank underneath. this is an item you will get a lot of use out of all year round!



free people studded cardigan-$138
i love the studs on this cardigan. put on top of a little black dress, black tights and boots.


qi military cardigan-$166
this cardigan is great and has such a unique neckline. add a long tank underneath and riding pants.

anthropologie full deck cardigan-$138
this is classic look that will stay with you for seasons to come. wear with skinny jeans and a great pair of bright colored flats.

forever 21 striped open front cardigan-$24.80
this length is great for those days we might not feel great about our bodies! wear a long tank underneath it and put on leggings for a ultra comfy outfit.

hayden boyfriend cardigan-$149
another classic look that you will wear often. this would look great with a large, dramatic necklace, basic tee and skinny jeans.

gap rugby striped cardigan-$69.50
i have a sweater similar to this from banana republic last year and i wore it to death! jeans, riding pants or over a dress, this look is very versatile.

Monday, October 26, 2009

suede for everyone

this year, suede is everywhere! it is covering boots and comes in all colors and styles such as the bootie, mid-calf, tall boot and even over the knee. my favorite is probably the bootie and the tall boot because i think i would get the most use with these two styles. here are a few of my favorites, but there are hundreds of styles out there with all different price points so look around!



madden girl ruffle bootie-$69
these are from victoria secret. a very romantic look that can be paired with tights, leggings or skinny jeans!

kenneth cole reaction cold stir-$108.95
also come in black and grey, these will last you for seasons to come
steve madden cuddles-$129.90
what a fun color! they come in more colors, but if you are feeling edgy, get the fuchsia and throw on black tights and a little black dress

chinese laundry wiz-$80
comes in black, would look great with riding pants or leggings!

banana republic eliza slouch boot-$198
comes in black, a great quality boot that would look fab with a dress

tory burch ruched boot-$550
ok, so these are a splurge. but when i first laid eyes on these, it was love at first sight!!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

add a punch of color

growing up my parents have taught me that most things orange are bad and i have pretty much maintained this attitude until very recently. i am constantly surrounded by orange things that i dislike (football jerseys with orange, orange game day attire) which is why i have surprised myself to like splashes of orange in my own wardrobe. orange and coral made a big comeback this spring/summer and i think that this color will stick around throughout fall. as long as you are not wearing them to support a football team, i encourage orange all fall long!

hermes wide enamel bracelet-$540

tory burch reva flat-$117



cole haan grayce air ot sling-$166.25

kate spade cloey silk blouse-$225


anthropologie twined branches cardigan-$128


alice + olivia waterfall back shift dress-$295

alexander wang silk georgette dress-$545

Friday, October 23, 2009

weekly budget finds!

every week i am going to make it my mission to find a few great finds that are all under $100 per item. i have to say that this week, i am loving all of these items! i am the biggest bargain shopper, to say the least, so i love looking for a good deal. why buy full price when it will go on sale within a couple weeks?!?nordstrom, sashimi faux leather motorcycle jacket-$39.90!
i am not very familiar with this brand so i can not guarantee the highest quality. but, for the price, if you get a couple of uses out of this jacket who cares?!

j.crew, dressy jersey ruffle neck-$49.99
i do not love the belt that comes with the dress. think of adding a thin leopard or gold belt instead. throw a motorcycle jacket on, some winter tights, great boots and you've got an awesome outfit!

piperlime, boutique 9 mariano-$69.97
even though we are heading into fall weather, get these now and save for next spring!


ann taylor cascading ruffle blouse-$39.88
i never shop at ann taylor but a girlfriend of mine was in here today and was telling me of the great sales they have going on. i love this shirt and think it would be great for work and everyday attire.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

the drama of it all

more times than not, my husband is constantly confused by the amount of accessories i put on for my everyday attire. he thinks i am being "dramatic" when i have a large necklace on or he just can't seem to understand why i possibly need another bracelet when i already own more than i can count on two hands. well, i have come to terms with the fact that the majority of men will never understand why adding a fabulous accessory just makes women feel better!

a friend asked me today to post something about the "essential" jewelry pieces every woman needs in their wardrobe. holy cow, i stressed out about this all day!! everyone has different styles so everyone is going to have a different list of "essentials." here is the shortest breakdown that i can possibly give. pearl/diamond studs, killer watch, opera length pearl necklace, classic gold hoop earrings and at least a few statement necklaces. i have a big red, blue and yellow necklace that are all very unique but that i wear all the time! it is such an easy way to spruce up any outfit!

here are a few pieces that i absolutely love.



anthropologie skystone necklace-$48
i encouraged 2 friends to get this in 2 different colors and they wear it all the time! wear with a yellow shirt to make it pop!


lucky brand stone link bracelet-$35
i just bought this a few weeks ago and wear it all the time!! for an easy outfit add this bracelet to a white tee, boyfriend jeans and simple gold hoops.


tory burch small logo cuff-$95
who doesn't love tb?! this is edgy, tough, yet very chic!

anthropologie sunrise nectar-$42
i bought this for a friend for her birthday in a different color and she loves it! add this on top of a plum colored dress/shirt, awesome!


kenneth jay lane black torsade necklace-$250
now this adds some drama! this might be in my foreseeable future....


carolee pearl rope necklace 72"-$60
i have this necklace and although i do not like this picture, i love this necklace! you can wrap it twice, three times or really tight four times. this length makes this necklace extremely versatile. a great, affordable choice for an opera length pearl necklace!


hermes cape cod watch-$1850
how can i brib my husband for this........it is a.m.a.z.i.n.g.

david yurman black onyz stud earrings-$2500
timeless elegance

alex and ani cerulean blue glass bead earrings-$58

a great twist on the classic hoop earring with a pop of color

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

oh i'm feeling blue

everyone needs a little color in their life once in a while. i own a pair of blue suede pumps that i am constantly wearing to work and i am always getting comments on them. they are bright, fun and can put a trendy twist on a regular boring work outfit. due to the bright color of these listed below, you might feel a bit hesitant to splurge on a pair. but do not fear. the blue suede is here to stay and i encourage you all to consider shopping for an inexpensive pair!

christian louboutin platform pumps-$930

yes, they are pricey. but come on, how great are these?!?

steve madden trinitie-$99.95

very affordable, realistic choice
pelle moda-$172.95
a little different choice, a bit more trendy and edgy.

manolo blahnik something blue satin pump-$945.00
my heart stopped beating momentarily when i saw these in the sex and the city movie. i tried bribing my husband for weeks if i could buy these to wear with my wedding dress. well, it didn't work. but they will forever live in my dreams....

christian louboutin-price unknown
found these online, thought they were perfect for a more dressed-up, evening look


loeffler randall cuffed suede pumps-$575
these are great because of the two toned color. also, you can pair them with pants and have only the grey color show through. kind of pricey, but very chic.