Little Leopard

SHOP THE LOOK
1. Necklace: Bauble Bar //  2. Sunglasses: Prada (Budget option) // 3. Parfum: Tom Ford

4. Tee: Topshop // 5. Cardigan: Topshop // 6. Skirt: Topshop

 7. Handbag: Halogen // 8. Sandal: Jessica Simpson // 10. Lipstick: NARS // 11. Lipliner: NARS

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Hope you are having a good week so far!

 I have felt a lack of inspiration lately on what to post, not that there haven't been a lot of great deals, like the price matching at Nordstrom (this is something newer that Nordtrom has been doing - and yesterday, a lot of the Michael Kors watches were $50 off) or 30% off the Friends & Family sale at Nine West. Typically I have a lot of ideas on what to post on and could do a couple of posts a day, but I have been in a little rut...

NINE WEST SHOES

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Spring Dresses

Striped Dress: LOFT // Eyelet Dress: LOFT // Striped Tee Dress: LOFT

Striped Shift Dress: LOFT // White Shirtdress: LOFT // Print Shirtdress: LOFT

Yellow Dress: LOFT // Floral Dress: LOFT // Black Shirtdress: LOFT

Striped Maxi: LOFT // Beach Dress: LOFT // Chambray Shirt Dress: LOFT

LOFT is having 40% off today on everything, including dresses (and sale ones, too)!

Thanks, Nine West for featuring my feet (upper left corner)!!!

Birds of Prey

SHOP THE LOOK

1. Necklace: Bauble Bar // 2. Coat: H&M (Less than $40!) // 3. Tee: Topshop

4. Nail Polish: Essie // 5. Ring: The Limited // 6. Jeans: 7 For All Mankind

7. Tote: Rebecca Minkoff // 8. Pumps: BCBGeneration // 9. Rollerball: YSL

10. Lipgloss: NARS // 11. Multi-stick: NARS (eyes, cheeks, body)

Not exactly sure if this bird coat is my style - but I thought it was so on trend with the pastel colors that I wanted to style a look around it, plus it is on sale and under $40! A coat like this can be styled many different ways - I have shown just a few options below.  You can pair it with a skirt (or even a shift dress) or belt it with denim for a dressy casual look.

1 {Red Reticule} // 2 {Pink Peonies} // 3 {The Ivory Lane}

Spring Trends

Fringe: 1 / 2 / 3
 
 Fringe is a big trend this season - from handbags, to dresses, skirt, and shoes.  My husband bought me a BCBG fringe jacket a few seasons ago, and up to this point, I felt a little like a cowgirl wearing it, but now that the trend is going strong, I have more confidence to wear it.  All these looks show how you can dress up or down fringe, and not look like you are going to the rodeo!

SHOP FRINGE
(click image for product details)
 

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Gingham 1 / 2 / 3
 
 Gingham is one trend I am not sure I am going to try this spring.  It looks cute on these girls, and I love the mixing of yellow with the navy/white gingham and stripes, but it is just not me.  I might try a mini gingham print (maybe in black and white). Patterns in general are not me, although, I do like plaid, which doesn't exactly make sense since gingham is a similar print.

SHOP GINGHAM
(click image for product details)
 

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Midi Skirt 1 / 2 / 3
Midi skirts are going strong and how cute is this pineapple skirt.  It is fun to see how all three girls styled the skirt.  From the more dressed up black top and shoes (and quilted bag) to the more neutral sandals with the black top, and cognac sandals with a denim jacket.  All three work really well.  If you are not into pineapples, there is a fun bright yellow (which you could pair with neon pink and beige) or this stroll in Paris one.

 SHOP MIDI SKIRTS
(click image for product details)

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White 1 / 2 / 3
The white and beige/blush/black look is my look.  I love all these, especially the OTK black boots. The rule of no white before Easter and after Labor day no longer applies, you can wear white all season long, just adjust what you pair with it with each of the seasons.

SHOP WHITE 
 (click image for product details)

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Finally, I am joining up with my Style Me Bloggers - be sure to check out their spring trends.

$20 Sweater!

 SHOP

Sweater: Forever 21 (only $20) // Jeans: Paige (seen before here / here) (budget option here)
Pumps: Nine West // Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (budget options here / here)

Jacket: Victoria's Secret (budget options here / here)

Lipstick: NARS (Manhunt) // Lipliner: NARS (Jungle Red)
Watch: Michael Kors

After seeing this post, I was inspired to find a white turtleneck sweater.  I thought it might be difficult at the end of winter (when all the stores are selling summer stuff), but I found this chunky turtleneck sweater at one of the best places to find great deals - Forever 21- and it is ONLY $20. (Side note: I have talked about Forever 21 before, and its quality of clothes, prices, and if it is age appropriate for those not in their 20's.)  This sweater is perfect for spring -- not too heavy, yet warm enough for the cooler spring temps.  Plus, Forever 21 is offering free shipping right now (ends Friday), so it is great time to buy it!  The sweater is longer, so I did the half-tuck in the front, although it probably should have been a little less tucked (and more drapey) in the front to be a "true" half-tuck - but too late, pictures are done!

Also, what do you think of these shoes?  I had a $50 gift card at Nine West that was expiring in a day, so I picked these up for a steal.  It might have been smarter to get some sandals, like these, which are a low heel and so cute, but I love animal print and black and white, so I got the pumps.

Lastly, if you have been looking for a moto jacket - this one is on sale - and looks awesome!

BLOGGER PHOTOS & BLOOPERS

Let me talk about photos for just a minute.  First, I would like to thank my mom for taking the time to be outside in this cold spring wind and take my pictures.  Taking pictures and shooting in manual mode is definitely a learning process.  Right now, we have been shooting in automatic and pseudo-manual mode; as the temps warm-up, we hope to have more time to experiment and learn. It is definitely a process... one that will get easier and quicker I am sure.  If you are looking for some tips, this blog offers photography lessons each Thursday.

So, before I end, as you know, there are always more bloopers than useable photos when taking pictures - so here are just a few bloopers.  I am not exactly sure what I am doing in the middle picture. The other two - I do - trying to get my hair out of my face from the brutally chilling spring wind! (I think I was actually colder taking these pictures than I was in the middle of winter with snow.)

Denim Series: Flared Jeans

 SHOP

Distressed: MOTHER // Slight Flare: MiH

 Budget: Old Navy ($25) // Wide Hem: True Religion Brand Jeans

DENIM SERIES: FLARED JEANS

Today I am starting my DENIM SERIES.  Each week, I will focus on a denim trend for spring/summer 2015 and talk about things like - how to wear them, different styles available, and is this age appropriate.

Seen on the runway last fall (for the upcoming spring 2015 season) was the flared jean.  Flared jeans have been around for the last decade (or maybe a little less), but this season they are becoming the “it” jean with this Boho 70's trend.  Skinny jeans are still trending, along with the boyfriend, and now girlfriend jeans, but flared are moving up to a top trend.  If you are looking for a new pair of jeans, this is a great way to update your look. 

AGE LIMIT?

If you are not in your 20's or 30's, you may be wondering if there is an age limit.  My recommendation is that I would leave the extreme flared or distressed ones (and probably the colored ones, except for the neutral colors of beige, gray, white, and black) to the younger girls; but, you can easily (and appropriately) pull off a minimal flare (something like the slightly flared boot cut above) or the more trouser cut (the ones with a wider hem) and not an extreme flare. 

SHOE CHOICE & HEM LENGTH

Shoe choice and length are important too when wearing flares.  For length, you want the jeans to almost skim the floor for the most part.  It they are too short - they will look like floods - and this is not flattering.  I had a pair of flares hemmed too short once - and I wore them one day not knowing - and I felt so self-conscious and uncomfortable all day. I kept trying to wear them as low as I could - so it wasn't extremely obvious - but it looked ridiculous.  So, if you need to have them hemmed, make sure you bring the shoes you plan to wear with them to the tailor.  And, with flared jeans, if you plan to wear heels and flats, you will need two pairs of jeans.  

As far as shoes, a heeled (pointy toe) pump looks best.  It elongates the length of your leg, and for most of us, that is what we want.  If you can't wear heels, you can always try a pointy toe flat, which gives the illusion of a heeled shoe.  But, with either shoe, be sure to be conscious of the hem length.

SHOE OPTIONS
(A lot of these are on sale!)

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WHAT TO WEAR WITH JEANS

I have shared a few pictures from a some of my favorite bloggers wearing flared jeans.  They are all wearing more loosely fitted tops, which I think looks great on all these girls.  For a more structured, classic look (and probably for those not in the 20-30s age range), I would go with a button-up shirt (tucked in), a crop sweater (but not belly revealing), or the half-tuck - tucked in the front loosely with draping in the back.

[Note: If you use Pinterest, I have pinned this image, if you want to "Pin it" for reference for later.]

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 Check back next Wednesday for my thoughts on my another denim trend.  Also, if you have thought about denim and denim (pairing denim on top and bottom), here are my thoughts.

Photo credits:  
One {The Sweetest Thing} / Two {Sequins & Things}
Three {Pink Peonies} / Four {Little Miss Fearless}

Happy Green Day!

 SHOP

1. Rug: LOLOI // Nail Polish: Essie // 3. Dutch Oven: Le Creuset

4. Sneakers: Brooks // 5. Shirtdress: Topshop // 6. Picture: West Elm

7. Crossbody Bag: Rebecca Minkoff // 8. Boots: Hunter // 9. Turntable: Crosley Radio

10. Sunglasses: Steve Madden // 11. Earrings: Kate Spade // 12. Bucket Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff

Continuing with the color theme -- Red last week - Grey yesterday - Green today - ...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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Grey / Gray Under $50

 SHOP GREY / GRAY (under $50)

1. Print: zestt // 2. Nail Polish: Essie // 3. Dress: Topshop

4. Satchel: Forever 21 // 5. Baseball Cap: Phase 3 // 6. Skirt: J. Crew

7. Utility Jacket: Forever 21 // 8. Manhattan Map: Archie’s Press

9. Pillow: West Elm // 10. Tee: J. Crew (25% off)

Just a few grey/gray finds under $50 (and a lot of them are under $25)....

Anyone else wonder how to spell gray / grey when writing?  According to Grammarist, "Gray" is the more American spelling, and "Grey" is more English (UK).  I must have watched too much Downton Abbey and British period pieces because I tend to lean towards the "Grey" spelling.

Hope you had a great weekend!

SHOP OTHER GREY / GRAY ITEMS

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Fireball Red

SHOP THE LOOK

Blouse: LOFT (40% off) // Cardigan: LOFT (40% off) (Similar for only $24)
Jeans: 7 For All Mankind (Similar here) // Pumps: Nine West (On Sale - $40!)

Lipstick: NARS (Manhunt) // Lip Liner: NARS (Jungle Red)

Necklace (Tassel): The Limited (Similar here) //  Necklace: Kate Spade

Handbag: Marc by Marc Jacobs // Watch: Michael Kors

One of my favorite colors is this fireball red.  I do not like pattern prints for the most part (other than the occasional leopard or animal print), but I do like to wear bold colors.  Red definitely stands-out.  I got this red blouse from LOFT. It is one of their utility blouses.  They have made this style of utility blouse for the last couple of seasons, and I have picked up different colors.  I have bought all of them on sale. (LOFT offers great sales - so be patient and it grab it when it's 40% off.)  A few good things about it are that it is washable (and not dry clean only) and it is perfect for all seasons.  In the cooler temps, layer it under sweaters - both crew and cards -  and when it is warmer I wear it by itself.  Also, it has the roll-up sleeves with the button tab, so you can wear it 3/4 length.

FYI - I love the sunny (and warmer) weather - but these pictures were a challenge. (I needed some sunglasses.) The sun was shining so intently into my eyes -- causing many pictures (and bloopers, which I will share at a later date) of closed, squinting eyes (or an intent stare).  Taking style outfit photos is (learning) difficult process!  Bloggers make it look "perfect" but let's be honest - it is work! One thing though, I am extremely thankful for less wind!

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Leopard

 SHOP THE LOOK

1. V-neck Tee: Topshop // 2. Necklace: The Limited // 3. Sunglasses: Isaac Mizrahi New York

4. Rollerball: Giorgio Armani // 5. Lipstick: NARS // 6. Lipgloss: NARS

7. Skinny Jeans: Wallflower $17 (free shipping both ways) // 8. Satchel: Danielle Nicole (or here)

9. Pumps: Charles by Charles David

This look is one of my favorites, with the monochromatic orange look being at the top of my list, too.  I am not sure I could pull of the animal print jeans, but I love them!  And, these that I found at Amazon are only $17. Plus, they offer free shipping both ways - so there are no worries if they do not work out.

The weather is supposed to be sunny and in the high 40s (to low 50s) - so perfect for pictures!  I plan to get out the next couple of days and take some outfit photos.

GIVEAWAY
There are a few hours left to enter to win the Rebecca Minkoff MAC bag.

Check These Out

SAVE

Pumps // Sunglasses  

SPLURGE

Pumps // Sunglasses

I cannot believe how similar these designer look-alikes are.  I love the Valentino Rockstud pumps, but these by BCBGeneration are very similar for only a fraction of the cost.  Plus these Steve Madden glasses are a great way to get the designer Prada look that I have seen on so many bloggers lately for a lot less!

Also, if you have not yet done so, be sure to enter the Rebecca Minkoff Giveaway - only two days left!

Nordstrom Under $25

SHOP THE DEALS

Deep V-neck Sweater: Derek Heart // Baseball Cap: August Hat // Sunglasses: BP.

Striped Cami: Halogen // Bikini Top: Becca // Bikini Bottom: Becca
Baseball Tee: Megan Lee Designs // Cut-out Top: Topshop // iPhone Cover: Kate Spade 

Flip Flops: Havaianas // Cami: Lush // Sandals: Sam Edelman

I did some looking around Nordstrom and found some great deals - all under $25.  This swing cami and the striped one are perfect for spring/summer and my favorite sandals are 60% off. They are the most comfortable sandals, I thought the part between the toes would be uncomfortable, but they are not at all (although, I did have to order up 1/2 size).  Also, these flip flops are my go-to all summer, they are my favorite, too!  Also, if you have noticed deep v-neck preppy sweaters are the trend this year, and this one is only $20 (plus free shipping both ways) - so no risk if you want to try it!

OTHER DEALS UNDER $25

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Jeweled

Yesterday, I talked about how to wear denim-on-denim.  Today, I am continuing my discussion about jeans and am talking about jeweled jeans. I am on the fence about wearing jeans with jewels, but if you thinking about trying the trend but don't want to spend too much - then I would recommend these at LOFT. (Note: They are an additional 40% off!)  If you are not sure how to style jeweled jeans, my recommendation is to keep it simple.  Here is some inspiration from a few of my favorite bloggers - CoriLynn (Dress CoriLynn) and Rach (Pink Peonies).
[Credits: Image 1 / Image 2 / Image 3 / Image 4]
 
Plus, they are on sale!

Jeans: LOFT  (On Sale $42!)


GIVEAWAY
Also, don't forget to enter to win the Rebecca Minkoff MAC bag.

SALE
And, a little reminder about the great Shopbop sale - and my picks!  (I love these booties and this leopard bag, or this zip up the back pencil skirt.)

GUEST HOST & LINK-UP
Also, today I am guest hosting with Jill at Doused in Pink and Carrie at Curly Crafty Mom.

Denim On Denim

SHOP THIS LOOK

1. Sunglasses: BP. (only $12!) // 2. Necklace: Tasha (50% off) // 3. Shirt: J. Crew

4. Lipstick: MAC // Handbag: Kate Spade (Up to 25% off) // Pumps: BCBGeneration

7. Jeans: 7 For All Mankind (40% off)

SHOP THIS LOOK

1. Sunglasses: Leith  // 2. Shirt: J. Crew  // 3. Cuff: Kendra Scott
4. Belt: Old Navy  // 5. Handbag: Urban Originals // 6. Skirt: J. Crew
7. Sandal: DV by Dolce Vita (under $100) // 8. Lipstick: NARS // 9. Lipgloss: NARS

Have you wanted to try the denim on denim, but aren't sure how to style it?  I know I have.  If you don't do it right, it can take you back a few decades, which would not be a good thing.  Here are a few tips that I got from WhoWhatWear to keep it modern.

#1: Add a Pop of Color

You can do this by adding some color in your shoes - like these yellow pumps, a handbag, or even lipstick, like this bright pop of pink.  (Rach of Pink Peonies is a perfect example of how to pull this off.)

#2: Keep it Neutral

Sometimes it works best to keep everything neutral - so it looks effortless. In this look, the shoes are a neutral color, keeping the focus on the rest of look.  Nothing stands-out, and it all works together.  Also, see how the belt is tied, which adds a little edge to the look - keeping it modern. (Olivia's look is a perfect example of how to pull off a neutral denim-on-denim look.)