Gap - Early Spring 2010

As I blog in front of my space heater for extra warmth on this extra cold day, Gap reveals it's early Spring 2010 collection. While I don't have any intentions of actually wearing these clothes yet in these frigid conditions, I don't mind shopping them online.

Here are my faves:

Chambray drawstring shirt dress - $59.50
Ahh...the classic shirtdress. This one seems to have a nice, roomy cut with a flirty edge.


Hip slung easy flare denim pants - $54.50
A nice pair of denim is a must in my wardrobe. If I didn't already have a pair, I may scope these out.


Floral cardigan - $44.50
I love cardigans, but this floral number will add a punch of fun with the pattern and colors. The blue-green one is really nice, too.


Double-breasted shawl cardigan - $69.50
I don't love the colors of this (for my skin tone), but I do love the cut. Also available in navy.


Button cuff roll-up T - $19.50
I need t-shirts. I NEED them. I can't find any I like. Gap typically has nice ones. I like the cuff details on this number.


The ultimate cardigan - $49.50
I'm a cardigan-olic. You can't have enough, really, and this number is available in a plethora of colors.


Button detail boatneck T - $22.50
Like I said...I NEED t-shirts. I love the boatneck cut and button details on this one. I have a couple from a few years ago with long sleeves and those little shoulder buttons and they are some of my faves.

What are you shopping for this Spring 2010?

NOTE: images via gap.com

A Dress for Any Occasion

So...I haven't been shopping. Not. At. All. Not really in stores and not really online, save an occasional browse or pass-through. I'm trying to save money for other things (like our new house) and can't really put money towards clothes - ESPECIALLY not when I already have so much I can barely contain it all!

However, I think some window shopping here or there would be healthy and help me see how people are styling clothes so I can style what I already have. I will be making purchases once in awhile, but not like I used to.

Lately, I've been craving dresses. I've decided I need a single red statement dress for holiday parties. I browsed online today in search of dresses and though I didn't find any red ones, I did find lots of other pretty ones.

A Dress for Any Occasion:

New Year's Eve Party

J Crew - Silk taffeta Karyn dress - $295
This metallic number will help you be the life of the party. So festive!

Classy Night Out

Banana Republic - Colorblock Dress Waist Dress - $130
The classic lines of this dress help you look sexy and appropriate.

Daytime Dress-Up

Modcloth - So Chic in Batik dress - $54.99
Pair this with tights and slouchy boots for a fab daytime look - shopping with the girls, getting groceries (what? some people dress up even for grocery shopping!), or running errands

Date Night

Anthropologie - Abstract Adornment Dress - $248
The deep winter hues of this fun pattern paired with the simple lines and fun jeweled necklace of this dress make you sophisticated-sexy.

What types of dresses are you shopping for (if any)?

NOTE: images from respective web sites

Little Black (Asymmetrical) Dress

Went on a date w/ hubby awhile back and wore my fave Little Black (Asymmetrical) Dress

We were swinging by the mall and I had some socks I was considering returning, so please pardon the randomness in my hands. Hubby told me all the stuff I was holding would ruin the photo...he was right! I should have listened! lol



Dress: BCBGirls
Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana

Tailored Teal

Gah! I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted. Some of you who read my other blog know that I recently moved from an apartment to our first house...yippee! Things have been pretty crazy since the move.

Here's an outfit I wore (before moving) to work one day:

This outfit was surprisingly comfortable and a slightly more casual business look for the work week.

Skirt: Banana Republic
Top: Banana Republic Outlet (a major deal at $7)
Corduroy blazer: Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes: Kenneth Cole
Necklace: J Crew

Appropriate-ness Over Balance for Work

Decided to wear jeans again for a casual work day. I thought about doing my new skinnies, which have a dark wash and aren't too-too tight, but decided best to leave those for after hours. I think this top would look better with slimmer pants, but my desire to be work-appropriate outweighed my desire to balance my ensemble.


Simple look - I let the accessories be the stars. My long crystal J Crew necklace has become quite the outfit staple for me.




My new J Crew Parsley Metallic Mary Janes. I first saw these in an old J Crew catalog and thought they were gorge. I decided to not buy them, but when I found a new pair on ebay for a decent price, I jumped!

The shoes are more green than they looked in the ebay photo. I think my pictures is more true to color, but it's still a nice, toned-down green. I like them a lot and they're surprisingly comfortable. My only (minor) complaints are the rounded toe is narrower than other round-toe shoes I've worn and the straps are rather tight. I do like how they're adjustable, though, since most shoe straps seem to stretch at least a little bit.

Dark Wash Wide-Leg Jeans: Banana Republic
Cami & Flowy top: The Limited
Parsley Metallic Mary Jane Shoes: J Crew
Long Gold Necklace: J Crew

Sunny End-of-Summer Festival Attire

I went out to a local, outdoor festival with hubby recently. In honor of the last days of summer, I picked a bright yellow top and white cropped pants for style and comfort


(nice and breezy for that hot-hot sun!)
I haven't worn these pants in a couple years...mostly because I outgrew them. Thanks to getting back into working out, they fit again! I should have tried them out earlier in the summer for maximum wearage. Still, it was a great feeling when they slipped on perfectly.


I wore a simple golden chain with clear, faceted crystals. Isn't the seahorse pattern fun? I got this top awhile ago during a J Crew final sale.

Cropped White pants: Express
Yellow Seahorse top: J Crew
Long necklace: J Crew
Purse: Chanel
Gold flip flops: J Crew

Channeling Carrie Bradshaw: J Crew Ruffled Skirt

I've been stalking items on ebay lately in hopes of finding some good deals. My fave so far - the J Crew tiered ruffle skirt in barely gray. So...so chic! I took a risk getting a size too small, but found a nice review over at Goldenmeans saying the skirt ran big. At one size smaller than what I normally take, I took her advice and she was sooo right! The skirt fits perfectly!


Since there was already a lot going on with the skirt, I decided to pair the skirt with a simple cardigan.


My new gold, J Crew skinny belt helped cinch in the waist to add definition


Pearls keep it classy and the tank underneath helps with layering and adds a wee touch of lace


Love the ruffles!


This is my new fave skirt. I felt a little risque wearing this number to the office and though I think the look may not be the easiest to pull off, it is certainly fun to try!

My co-worker gave me the sweetest compliment when she said my outfit looked like something Carrie Bradshaw would wear and that it was very Sex and the City. Suh-weet!

Skirt: J Crew
Shoes: J Crew
Tank top: Abercrombie + Fitch
Cardigan: Gap
Belt: J Crew

NOTE: I got my skirt from ebay seller WestieGirl4me - she has 2 more ruffle skirts left if you want one, too! WestieGirl4me was an awesome ebay seller for me - she had great communication and was very helpful. Many of her items ship for free, too, which is a nice bonus.

Trend Love: One Shoulder Style

I'm seeing trend alerts everywhere for one shoulder top and dress styles, but seriously...the one shoulder look is a personal fave...one that I've rocked since high school (maybe even middle school?).

Here are some of my current faves:

Old Navy - Women's Ruffled One Shoulder Top - $9.99 (on sale from $22.50)


ModCloth - High Tide Dress - $74.99


Maggy London One Shoulder Dress - $128 (via nordstrom.com)


Foley + Corinna Zigzag Jersey Asymmetrical Dress - $212.50 (on sale from $425 via shopbop.com)

What do you think of the one shoulder look?

NOTE: images from oldnavy.com, modcloth.com, nordstrom.com, and shopbop.com

Catch Me While You Can...

I'm trying to catch the last warm bits of summer while I still can. I'm pulling out my fave summer/warm-weather pieces and rocking them out as much as possible.

This casual sleeveless dress is a personal fave because it's so easy to throw on and wear with metallic flip flops. The material breathes well in the heat and it's pretty darn comfy, too.

I was meeting friends for brunch at a local fave spot, so I went a little dressier than norm by wearing summary heels instead of flat flip flops. I brought a cardi in case things were cool inside but totally didn't need it. The internal temps were just fine and the food was just as good as usual.



Dress: Banana Republic
Shoes: Banana Republic
Bracelet: J Crew
Necklace: D Celestine
Purse: Chanel

Music on the Patio

Hubby and I met up with some friends for dinner followed by music on the patio of a local shopping center. The weather is taking a turn towards fall, but the air is still warm. I decided to wear something breezy but bring a cardigan in case things got colder than expected.


I started with the skirt because it's one of my faves.


I added the bright yellow tank top for a little extra color and because the yellow reminded me of sunny summers that will soon be over.


The cardigan is a light yellow knit to help me stay warm as the night cooled things down. I ended up only needing it when we hung out with the boys who were watching games at the restaurant bar. The weather outdoors was phenomenal!

Skirt: Urban Outfitters
Yellow tank: Banana Republic
Cardigan: Anthropologie
Wedges: Banana Republic
Purse: Chanel
Necklace: D Celestine

Martin + Osa: Labor Day Specials

Martin + Osa is offering some awesome Labor Day deals now through Labor Day: FREE SHIPPING (that's always nice, no?) on all orders and a free gift with purchase of regular price denim.

For the ladies:

With purchase of reg. price denim, you'll receive a M+O beautiful "Love Shop scarf (retails for $69.50).

For the men:

With purchase of reg. price denim, you'll receive a M+O awesome Two-color cotton web belt (retails for $39.50).

My pick for ladies:

If you're looking to update your wardrobe for fall, check out the Supercross jean in "Charcoal" ($120). This jean will help you rock out that tough-chic look that will be so popular. Pair with sky-high heels and a leather jacket to get the look.


My pick for the men:

I love these Vintage Slim Fit jeans ($99.50) in Black Resin Rinse Wash for Fall 2009. Same idea as above for the ladies but in a masculine way, of course. Pair with a simple light-tone, gray-wash tee and boots.

How the deal works:
- In store customers will have their choice of color for both the scarf and belt. Online orders color will be random.
- Max one men’s and one women’s gift per order (one men’s jean and one women’s jean = one belt and one scarf…. Two women’s jeans = one scarf)

Don't forget: FREE SHIPPING too on all orders!

Go to martinandosa.com to get shopping!

NOTE: Please check out martinandosa.com for full special details. Images courtesy Martin + Osa and from martinandosa.com

Working Woman - Girly Layers

I love wearing my super girly ensembles to work now and again. The short-sleeve button down paired with a simple skirt is a fave...add on a cardi and it's extra girly. I wore warm neutrals in honor of the incoming fall weather.


Outfit with cardigan...rocking out my new J Crew final sale heels!


Outfit without cardi - love this style for work!


Outfit re-worked for the cooler evening weather and my desire for comfort. I really need to teach hubby how to style my better...I'm not liking the way this outfit looks in this photo.

Anywho, for the last outfit, I kept the shirt and cardi and replaced the skirt with skinny jeans, the heels for flip flops, and added a scarf for warmth. Had to lose the belt, too.

Leather peep-toe heels: J Crew
Button down top: Banana Republic
Brown cardigan: Banana Republic
Skirt: Banana Republic
Belt: Banana Republic
Skinny Jeans: Guess
Flip flops: Rainbows
Scarf: ?

Pop of Color-icious

I've been paring down on the shopping, but I have managed a couple good buys here and there. One such buy was this long cardigan from Banana Republic, on sale for under $30...score!



I love wearing black and white combos with pops of color. A simple green tee did the trick on this outfit and got dressed up with a patent leather belt to cinch the waist.

Green Tee: Target
White pants: Banana Republic
Black Cardigan: Banana Republic
Patent Leather belt: Nordstrom
Black flats: Juicy Couture

T-Shirt + Jeans for Work...Again

I'm so glad my office has loosened their dress code over the last few months, because T-Shirts and jeans really can be work appropriate, IMO, if you do it right.


I used some heels and a cardigan to dress this T-shirt + jeans look up. Click here to view my last T-shirt + jeans work look.


I actually got almost all of these pieces on the sale rack somewhere (except for the purse obv). The t-shirt was only $10 and I LOVE the print!

Keys to making this look ok for the office:
*trouser style jeans
*cardigan
*cute heels
*nice purse helps

T-Shirt: Urban Outfitters
Trouser Jeans: Banana Republic
Cardigan: Banana Republic
Linen Peep-Toe Heels: Banana Republic
Purse: Chanel

Work Wear: T-Shirt and Jeans

...because sometimes you just feel like wearing a t-shirt and jeans (slightly dressed up to be work appropriate)



A lacy camisole keeps the deep-v-neck work appropriate and the heels help dress up the outfit.

Jeans: Banana Republic
Camisole: Gap
White Top: J Crew
Linen Pumps: Banana Republic

Boyfriend Jeans and My D&G's

Ever have those days when you feel like dressing a little "bummy" yet "girly" at the same time? I had one of those recently when hubby and I went out for dinner. I decided to wear my boyfriend jeans with some fun heels to dress up the look. I grabbed a purplish scarf to keep me warm inside the restaurant. It's hot outside, but I always freeze inside restaurants! Layers are a must for me!

My boyfriend jeans fit a lot better before I lost some weight recently. Now they are possibly too slouchy! I tried rolling up the bottoms as much as possible without making them too bulky. I've seen celebs rocking their boyfriends with the rolled cuffs just above their shoes, but I like mine a little higher than pictured. Oh well, guess that's what tailors (and maybe chocolate cake) are for!



Top: Target
Jeans: J Crew
Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana
Purse: Chanel
Scarf: ?

Dressing up my Express Denim

The ability to take a simple pair of jeans and dress them up with accessories makes it so fun to be a girl! Recently, I headed to the Express store, gift card in hand, in search of a pair of jeans. I tried on almost one of each style (ok, I tried on about 5 types) but I of course gravitated to the most expensive pair in the store. Call it a talent, I guess?



Josh and Brittany at the Express in NC were most-helpful and friendly. Josh was the first to help me in my quest for jeans and was knowledgeable of the Express denim line.



After lots of trying on, I decided to get a pair of the Rerock jeans (apparently made by the same people who do designer jeans...maybe Rock and Republic?). I loved the way they fit and the designs on the back pockets.

I've had the chance to play around with some different looks for my new jeans. Here are some looks:

Daytime Casual-Chic

I wore this look to do some daytime shopping this weekend. I wanted to look cute but casual, so I put on a simple white top that was just a tad loose (to balance the fit jeans) and wore my hair down and curly.


This light brown belt just peeked out from under my top.


These chandelier earrings completed the look.

Top: Ann Taylor Loft
Belt: Banana Republic
Leather Wedges: Banana Republic
Earrings: ?

Slightly Dressier Daytime Look

Here's another casual chic look that I think you could take to a casual nighttime event (depending on where you live, of course). The colors are definitely what I'd consider more nighttime, but in the South, the line gets a bit blurry for what's appropriate when.


My accessories - I love the ruffles of this purse!


Close up of my bracelet. With this and the adorable tote, I kept the rest of the accessories simple with no necklace and simple pearl stud earrings.

Tank top: American Eagle
Scarf: ?
Bracelet: J Crew
Ruffle Purse: Ziordia

Casual Nighttime Look

I found this cute black top with purple features at the Express store while I was shopping for denim. It was a bit of an impulse buy, but it's so comfy and chic enough to dress up. Here's the look with a layer of a black sweater.


Sans cover. I dressed up this look with some drop earrings, a leather purse, a silver-leather bracelet and my D&G strappy heels.


Love the back pocket embellishment.

Sterling silver onyx earrings to dress up the look.


A better look at the top.

Top: Express

Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana

Bracelet: Wilson Leather

Earrings: I made them!

Purse: Kenneth Cole

Sweater: Banana Republic

Reader question: What's your favorite way to dress up denim?