Monday, December 23, 2013

Look for Less: J.Crew Darby Suede Loafers

I am always on the look out for a look for less option on something I love, but cannot afford to splurge on the full price retail item.  I consider myself to be quite thrifty and a bargain hunter.  I LOVE to find bargains at TJMaxx, Marshalls, and Nordstrom Rack.  Whenever I go into my local TJMaxx, I must check the shoe and jewelry sections, even if I do not plan to buy something for myself.  You never know when a gem will be waiting for you...and it was!  
There on the shelf, the last pair in my size, were these J.Crew Darby loafer look-a-likes, which are normally $150, but I found this dupe for a mere $35.  What's even better, the Me Too pair doesn't run as narrow as J.Crew's loafer.  Cozy feet time!

I've spotted a few other fab finds for you also.  I think I really want the leopard pair!

loafers
Details

Monday, December 16, 2013

MERRY AND BRIGHT

I'm interrupting my break from blogging to bring you a few of these coveted items from J.Crew.  I'm obsessed with each and every item here, plus tons more from their winter line.  I certainly hope I was a good girl this year so Santa leaves me one or two of these goodies underneath the tree!
merry and bright
Details


Go to J.Crew online or any store and get 30% off your items plus free shipping through December 24th!
Deals like that cannot be passed up! 
xoxo

Friday, September 6, 2013

Friday Finds: Bows are Back!

Not that they were ever gone...
I think we just took a short break for summer brights.

With fall approaching us and the holidays practically around the corner, I'm noticing bows starting to pop back up in stores everywhere!  This trend is here to stay, ladies.  
Can we even say bows are a trend?  They are so classically girly and preppy.  I suppose they seem trendy because they are popping up in stores that typically rely on their trendy clientele ..such as Forever 21.  Don't get me wrong, I love a good Forever find, but I tend to get my trendy fix from there and save the classic stuff for stores that produce better quality goods, like J.Crew, Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren...you get the point.

Untitled #58




I came across these ah-dorable bow tees from Loft and just love their simplicity.  I could easily see myself pairing them with a basic pair of jeans, flats and a light jacket for errands on a fall weekend.  
Instantly a combination of classic, preppy and trendy with minimal effort on those to-go days.

xoxo 

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Animal Graphics

If you thought animal graphics were gone with last season, think again!  They're back for the fall season and are as cute as ever!  

animal graphics

J.Crew sweat shirt / Old Navy graphic crewneck sweater / Mossimo long sleeve sweater / Ann Taylor sweater

I love all of these sweaters to pieces, but if I had to pick just one to own I'd have to pick the adorable double fox sweater from Ann Taylor.  I love the warm coloring on it.  I'm envisioning it paired with blue jeans and cognac colored boots.

Which sweater is your favorite?
xoxo

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Leather and Camouflage

I've got a major crush on J.Crew's fall line.  All the leather accents and camouflage have me smitten.  If you're not sure how to break into the camo trend, a scarf is the perfect way to ease yourself into camouflage.  It's a small accent that will help you look fashion forward instead of "army chick."  
This trend represents one way in which I like to "stick to the classics" and only splurge on inexpensive trendy items.  This scarf, for example, is only $55, which would be well worth the money for the entire scarf season. I can't lie, I deeply considered splurging on the camo trend and buying this vest, but when I considered my options, the smarter choice was the classic striped vest.  I know I'll wear it season after season.

leather and camo


Merino sweater / J.Crew ripped straight leg jeans / J.Crew lined leather boots / J.Crew red leather purse / J.Crew bracelet bangle / J.Crew earrings / J.Crew shawl / NARS Cosmetics lip stick

How do you feel about the camouflage trend?  
Do you think it will stick around for a few seasons or be out quickly like neon?

xoxo

Monday, August 26, 2013

Leopard Love!

I've always been a huge fan of Gap clothing.  They are always comfortable, affordable and fashionable.  Their 2013 fall line is adorable, as always...they never disappoint me.  
As I was browsing, I came across this gorgeous 100% leather leopard print fold over clutch...so similar to the coveted clutch from Clare Vivier, but of course at a much more affordable price.  $49.99! 
Per usual, I ordered this ASAP, especially since they were having a 20% off promo this weekend.  It will be a great addition to my wardrobe this fall and for many seasons to come!

On a different note, I'm officially back to school with the kiddies today.  Summer really flew by, but I'm embracing the cooler weather and really excited to teach 3rd grade this year!

xoxo

Friday, August 23, 2013

Friday Find!


tilda lookalike

I'm loving this long sleeve spin-off of the J.Crew Tilda shirt that was ever so famous this past spring.  This piece will be a great addition to my wardrobe and perfect piece for layering, just leaving the blingy collar exposed. Best part is, it's on sale right now from $50 to $30. Sign me up!

Happy Friday!
xoxo

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Feeling Fall!

I found these adorable chartreuse Hunter boots on sale a few weeks ago and have been creating many outfits in my head ever since.  These are my very first pair of Hunters EVER! I know, crazy, but I never was able to part with the money for a pair of rain boots.  When I found these chartreuse Hunters for $80, I knew they had to be mine!  Not only is it one of my all time favorite colors, but I adore saying the word "chartreuse."  
It's fun...try it! :)
Fall 1


J.Crew Factory Silk shirt / J.Crew Factory Clutch / J.Crew high waisted jeans / J.Crew flower necklace / Stella & Dot dot jewelry / Stella & Dot feather earrings / Bow Ring Gold jewellery / Witchery round sunglasses / Essie nail color

Warm, fall colors are perfectly complementing to these Hunters for the season.  

Do you own a pair of Hunter boots?  
If you're like me and unwilling to spend $150 on them full price, head on over to Nordstrom Rack.  They periodically get them in in a variety of fun colors!

xoxo

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Wish List Wednesday!

Puffer vests in EVERY COLOR!!
There has been a frenzy the last few weeks over J.Crew Factory bringing back the puffer vests from last season's retail store, particularly the herringbone puffer, which I've adored all last season and will continue to adore this season.  As a matter of fact, it's been sitting in my closet all summer feeling very lonely in there...I think I'll need to schedule a wearing soon! :)

What I love about the puffer vest is it's versatility and comfort level.  It wears well with plaid, stripes, polka dots,  sweaters, turtlenecks, t-shirts!  I could go on...
I don't only wear my puffer with jeans, but I'll wear it to work with cords or pixie pants.  Speaking of work, I am officially back to school today for teacher orientation.  Sigh:/ Summer is too quick!

vest 3


Woolrich long sleeve shirt / Puffy vest / Ted Baker / Flat shoes / Kate Spade cross body handbag / Carolee pearl jewelry / Juliet & Company pearl jewelry
vest 2
Vest 1


These vests are staples in my closet...I'm working on having one in every color! :) 
Which look is your favorite?  I just can't decide!
xoxo

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

How We Wear: Leopard Pumps!

It is time for another "How We Wear" collaboration with Bethany of Perfectly Coutured and Meghan of Everyday Fashion and Finance! Today, we are bringing you three ways to style leopard pumps. Leopard pumps are a must-have item for fall! As soon as we heard that Target had them in stores, all three of us ran (probably literally) to buy them! Let us tell you a little bit about these pumps: 1. We love the chunky heel, 2. They remind us of the much more expensive J.Crew Etta Pumps, and 3. They are actually comfortable. I know the three of us will have these pumps on major repeat all season long! Not sure how versatile leopard print pumps will be? Don't be afraid of the print - consider it a "neutral" this fall.  They will go with more than you think! Check out three different ways we've styled them below.
I wanted to enhance the khaki color in my pumps, so I added a structured jacket and paired that with denim and pops of red and orange. The leopard scarf really brings out all of the autumn colors for a polished fall look. Bethany easily transitions from summer to fall by pairing her pumps with white pants and orange accessories. She also shows us a great way to pattern mix by choosing a gingham top to wear with the leopard.  Meghan paired her pumps with boyfriend jeans and a simple black tee to show us how to work a dressy casual feel. She added gold accessories which would be perfect for a happy hour with the girls. To see more of Meghan and Bethany's looks, head on over to their blogs!








Outfit Details

Jacket (old from Gap) | Shirt (old) | Scarf (J.Crew last season) | Clutch Clare Vivier in Persimmon | Jeans Macy's- similar style | Leopard Pumps Target | Chain Link Bracelet J.Crew Factory | Leather Bracelet (boutique find) | Pave Ball Bangle Shop Crave

How would you choose to style your leopard pumps?

xoxo

Linking up with: Style Elixir

Monday, August 19, 2013

Lilly Sale!

For all of us Lilly Pulitzer lovers, the endless summer sale is finally here!!  Now's the time to scoop up some of those must-have items that you missed this season for an amazing price!  Last year's sale was a huge success for me.  I'm so excited to see what's in store for this year's sale!  

I'm keeping an eye out for these beauties!






Tips for success at the Lilly sale:

1.) Make sure you hop online first thing in the morning.   The website has been known to crash in the afternoon from tons of Lilly lovers searching the sale.

2.) Try not to leave items in your cart.  Checkout as soon as you know you're finished.  Items have been known to disappear from your cart if you leave them in there too long.

3.) To maximize your success, check the website daily to scan for newly listed items.

Are you also patiently awaiting the endless summer sale?
What items are on your wishlist?
xoxo

Friday, August 16, 2013

Friday Find!

It's back in black and taupe!
I am literally running out the door to my Forever 21 to scoop this baby up!  I refuse to miss it twice! :)



xoxo

Monday, August 5, 2013

Sizzlin' Summer Giveaway: WINNERS!



I, along with 24 fabulous bloggers, teamed up to bring you a  Sizzlin Summer Giveaway!! And the Sizzlin Summer Giveaway winners are Kelly Rogers and Natalie Bruening! Congratulations, you will both receive a $250 Visa gift card to purchase whatever your little heart desires. We are so excited for both of you and can't wait to see what you two will purchase! Please email katelinjstaples@gmail.com with your contact information.   

Thank you to everyone that entered the giveaway! Stay tuned for more fun things to come! 
 

A Little Bit of 15th Century

This past weekend we went to the Renaissance Fair in Tuxedo, NY.  For those of you have have never been, you're really missing out!  The fair is completely centered around the time of the renaissance.  I'm talking giant turkey legs, wenches and lords, jousting, and spear throwing.  All of the workers are dressed to the nines in perfect renaissance attire and speak old English accents...how fun!   


 We visited Parrots of the Caribbean...hehe:)  
 We threw rotten tomatoes.
 And of course I couldn't pass up the peach sorbet in the hollowed out peach!  Yummy in my tummy!
 

xoxo

Friday, August 2, 2013

Skirting Around!

August is always the time of year when I begin to think about fall fashion and looks that inspire me for going back to work.  I've fallen in love with everything J.Crew Factory for the season.  
skirting around
Outfit Details

J.Crew long sleeve button shirt / J.Crew Pom pom sweater / J. Crew Neck tie / J.crew Long skirt / J. Crew Long skirt / J. Crew Long skirt / Kate Spade high heels / J.Crew high heel pumps / High heel pumps / Yves Saint Laurent green leather handbag / Henri Bendel crossbody purse / Karen Millen / J.Crew necklacej crew jewelry / Kate Spade j crew earrings / J.Crew stud earrings / Kate Spade stud earrings /  j crew jewelry /  j crew bracelet

Their skirts are so darling!  Not to mention the adorable pom pom sweater and highly sought after puffer vests!! Don't worry, if you haven't placed an order for your puffer vest and noticed they're not online anymore, rest assured they will be back online after the 40% off sale! Phew, I know, you can now sleep easy! ;)

It's no surprise that navy is one of my favorite colors, but I'm in love with incorporating emerald into my wardrobe for fall.  Jewel tones will definitely be making an appearance in my closet!

Have you checked out the factory store lately?  What are you in love with?
xoxo

Thursday, August 1, 2013

LBD on Repeat!

Hubby and I had our 5th and final wedding of the summer this past weekend...phew!  Next one isn't until November now so we get a bit of a breather.  
With all of these weddings going on it was next to impossible to have a new dress for each wedding, so I decided to wear the LBD from this post, but styled it differently!  I love how versatile, simple and classic it is!

 Outfit Details
Hers
Dress | Shoes | Clutch | Pearls
His

Don't forget to enter the Sizzlin' Summer Giveaway to win two $250 gift cards here!
xoxo


Tuesday, July 30, 2013

How We Wear: Polka Dot Skirts!

Today, I have teamed up with Bethany of Perfectly Coutured and Meghan of Everyday Fashion and Finance to share with you how we wear Polka Dot Skirts. It is no secret that we love polka dots which made this skirt a must have item for each of us, and surprisingly enough it has proven to be quite versatile. Not only are we sharing how we each styled this skirt, but you can also check out this skirt styled three ways here!
I love how all three of us decided to pair this skirt with a belt, which is definitely a focal point!  Bethany and Meghan both paired their skirts with vibrant red tones for that perfect pop of color. Check out more of Bethany and Meghan's looks on their blogs
 I paired my skirt with a chartreuse sweater and fun leopard accessories. This would be a perfect outfit for early fall too!  

 
 Outfit Details
J.Crew Factory Sweater | J.Crew Factory skirt (sold out) similar style here | J.Crew Leopard Cuff (sold out) | Pink Pineapple shop crystal cluster necklace (old) | Badgley Mischka purse (old) | J.Crew Factory chain link bracelet | Stella and Dot Renegade Cluster Bracelet | Me Too Patty Flats (old) | Loft Leopard Belt (old)

How would you style this polka dot skirt?
xoxo

Monday, July 29, 2013