A Year in Fashion

Wow. I can’t believe that my last clothes post included an outfit from OCTOBER 2016…so much has changed! And a few new additions have made their way into my closet. But the old classics remain 🙂

Feast yo eyes.Dress: Target

Coral Espadrilles: Steve Madden

I just LOVE this 2 pattern dress that my friend, Megan, bought me for my birthday!

Light Blue Bell-Sleeve Top: Banana Republic

Slides: Steve Madden

Dress: Ann Taylor Factory
Laser Cut Eyelet Top: Banana Republic Dress: TeezeMe via Macy’s

I’m so glad I’ve been doing squats, cause this dress was wayyyy s.h.o.r.t.e.r. than I remember…
Dress: Forever21

Shoes: Nine West, “Apple Eye” Booties

This Forever21 stretchy dress has been in my closet for YEARS, but it’s just a classic. It can be dressed up or down and never seems like I’m trying too hard (even if it does take me hours to get ready…)

Top: Banana Republic Skirt: Banana Republic Factory Bathing Suit: Ted Baker via Nordstom

Ummm, can we talk about this suit?! Ted Baker was kind of a splurge, but I REALLY wanted something fab, for this future vacay that the Universe is bringing to me, and it was the last one in my size. After a long day of shopping, I had to take it as a sign 🙂 My facial expression in this photo is clearly not an accurate representation of how happy I was to find this gem!

Dress: Milly, Penelope Gown via Neiman Marcus

Oh.My.Godessss. Back in June, I had an urge to try on super fancy dresses, just for the fun of it. Once I found this one, I almost bought it. But, then I saw the price tag…$725. Yikes.

Dress: Kohl’s Peplum Top: Ann Taylor Factory

Jeans: Blue Spice via TJ Maxx

I can’t help it, I just love Blue Spice and Indigo Rein jeans. They fit in the waist, thighs, and calves AND they’re a perfect ankle length for us petite girls! I know they’re so cheap, but that’s the goal: cute on a budget! Dress: Romeo + Juliet via TJ MaxxNautical Ruffle Skirt: H&M via Greene Street Consignment Pink Dress: Banana Republic Factory

Geeze, I feel like this is an ad for Banana stores! I should be compensated somehow!White Blazer: Dynamite

Blouse: Ann Taylor Factory

So.in.love with that blazer!Mesh Dress: Banana Republic via TJ MaxxStriped Dress: Monteau via Marshalls Hot Pink Dress: Charlotte Russe Polka-Dotted Ruffle Blouse: Target White Top: Can you guess?? Banana Republic haha Purple Swing Top: Piko

Crystal Necklace: Francesca’s

Black Suede Peep-Toed Booties: Lucky via Lord & Taylor, similar Gingham Peplum Top: H&M Peach Bare Shoulder Blouse: Shinestar vice TJ Maxx

Ripped Denim: Indigo Rein via Marshalls

Flower Sandals: BCBGeneration via MarshallsPaisley Peplum Blouse: Banana Republic
Floral Peplum Bouse: Sienna SKy via Marshalls Orange Tank: Target

Floral Applique Yoga Pants: Aerie Ruffle Blouse: Target

Printed Peplum Bouse: LOFT Romper: Marshalls, there’s no tag, but here’s the RN #116696

Isn’t this the cutest thing EVER? I’m so in love with this summer purchase, I wish I’d been able to wear it more than once this summer…it’s making me excited for next summer already! Purple Swing Tank: Lucy & Laurel via Marshalls

Wide Pants: Joe via KohlsBlush Skin Dress: Joe & Elle via Marshalls

Not gonna lie, I barely ate anything during the day, because I knew I was wearing this at night (insert laugh/cry emoji)
Striped Flare Skirt: Pins & Needles via Greene Street Consignment  Off-the-Shoulder Top: ExpressBlush Ruffle Blouse: Ivanka Trump (ahhh, I know!) via Marshalls
Structured White Blouse: Banana Republic

Polka Dotted Pants: Ann Taylor Hot Pink Blouse: J Crew via Green Street Consignment Juniper Romper: Lavender Fields via TJ Maxx

Denim Jacket: love FIRE via TJ Maxx

I wasn’t sure about this romper, but there was something so playful and casual about it that I just loved. It’s perfect for a lounging night where you still want to look and feel whimsical Floral Print Blouse: Finn & Grace via Marshalls

Dark Denim: Blue Spice via Marshalls

Loved this printed blouse! It’s hard to tell, but it’s off-the-shoulder with a little spaghetti strap!
Kimono Jacket: Target…KIDS section.

I know, I know, if it isn’t bad enough that I’m 31 and buy all of my clothes from TJ Maxx, I have now succumbed to the children’s section of a chain store…good news is that my very fashionable boss complimented me on it. Score!

 

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Bad News, Good News

Bad News: I haven’t blogged in a while

Good News: I’ve still been taking photos of my clothes everyday, in preparation for this post

While going through the pictures of my outfits, I realized that there were several outfits that I thought looked really cute, but then, they really didn’t. Those photos did not make the cut 🙂

Yellow Jacket: Banana Republic Factory
Glasses: Ralph Lauren RA 7044 in 1143 Spotted Pink

Army Green Jacket/Blouse: NEW! Banana Republic Structured Blazer: CAbi Outlet

White Blouse: Banana Republic Clearance

Printed Pants: Dizzire via TJ Maxx

Sandals: X-Appeal via Rack Room Shoes
Ruffled Blouse: Banana Republic via Greene Street Consignment

This outfit was actually inspired by my friend, Claire. She had on something similar in a recent photo, and I thought I should try to recreate it here 🙂

Pink Sweater: J Crew Factory

Polka-Dotted Ankle Pants: Ann Taylor Factory

3/4 Sleeve Pink Top: Piko

I bought this in Charleston and realized that I needed a whole bunch more. So I bought some online in black, lilac, and white. Stay tuned!Ruffled Button-Down: J Crew Factory

Camel Pencil Skirt: J Crew FactoryThere’s the Weekender Bag in action!!
Long Faux Fur Vest: Almost Famous via Sears!
Navy Blazer: Theory via TJ Maxx. Originally $329, on CLEARANCE for $99.99!!

Ripped Denim: Target

Army Pants: STS Blue via Nordstrom

Black Dress: Express, Similar
Camel Boots: Nine West

Ciao Tee: J Crew Factory (you can read about my obsession here, and here, and here)

Ombre Leggings: Express, Similar

Brocade Dress: H&M

Cranberry Pants: Blue Spice via TJ Maxx

Shoes: Madden Girl

Mint Sweater:  J Crew Factory, Similar

Floral Choker Blouse: Belle Vere via TJ Maxx

White Blouse: Dance & Marvel, Truth be told, this top was found left in a hotel closet on a previous Charleston trip. What a find!

 

Hanging Out At…Magnolia’s

A few nights ago, I took myself out to a fancy dinner at one of my favorite restaurants anywhere, Magnolia’s. This may be the best meal I have ever had. I ordered the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast the last time we visited and I have been craving it ever since! Here it is in all of its glory…fried amazingness, corn, mashed potatoes, 2 mini biscuits, collard greens (made exclusively for them by a local with a secret recipe, which is INCREDIBLE!)

magnolias

And for dessert? Southern Pecan Pie 🙂 And, yes, it was just as good as it looks!IMG_9838

Obviously, I wanted to get fancy for fun, so, here’s what I wore:IMG_9837 IMG_9833

I recently got this from Banana Republic. It was on clearance for $75ish AND I had a $25 gift card, so I ended up paying about $50 for this fab dress! Click herehere, here, and here for similar styles!


On The Hunt: Modern Pantsuit (This One’s For You, Stephanie!)

The Huntress-On The Hunt

A lovely reader, Stephanie, requested that I post about pants suits. Now, this was a challenge for me, as I rarely wear pants, if I can help it (see photo below), and even harder was that I rarely like to match tops and bottoms. But, The Huntress doesn’t stop just because things are hard! I really wanted to help you, Stephanie!

i hate pants

So, here are my inspiration photos from Pinterest:

I love the skinny leg and tailored color block jacket of this suit. It suddenly reminds me of a pair of shoes I had when I was a little girl. They were white with a little gold chain. How fashion forward of me!

suit 1

I know this really isn’t a pants suit, but I imagined this is what the suit above would look like if you removed the jacket. Additionally, it has such a classic look without the blazer, that I still think can be worn in the same instance as a pants suit. It may require a cami, but the sleeves diminish the need for a blazer.suit 2This next one is just as classic as the first, except that this one has the added embellishment. Jessica rocks this sequined trim, but that could easily be swapped out for something simpler, like satin or leather…suit 3See what I mean about the leather? It has that polished, yet bad ass look.
suit 5This might be one of my faves. Look at that peplum (oh god, I’m obsessed with peplums!) It’s just so darn classy! I will have to recreate this with some pieces I have in my closet! So chic, I can’t stand it!

suit 7This suit is more of a stylish combo than a real suit, but I think this is what a modern suit should look like. This pretty patterned jacket is perfectly tailored and the pink pants don’t seem as loud, when paired with the jacket. Everything about this says, “Kate Middleton” to me. suit 6This fun jumpsuit is also a great alternative to a pants suit. It still feels very professional, but this punchy color keeps it feeling young and modern. Great for a young office or a day to night look.

suit 41//2//3//4//5//6//7

So enough inspiration-where can you find these things?! Well, Express seems to be the best place to start.

Here is the Micro Dot Suit:

express.micro dot

And here is the Black Studio Stretch Suit:

express.studio stretch

Next up, the Black Collection Drew Simply Straight Pants and 2-Button Jacket from The Limited

limited.2 button drew

Saks Off Fifth had the Purdy Crepe Jumpsuit by Diane Von Furstenberg:

DVF.purdy jumpsuit

Asos’ Goldie Halter Neck Jumpsuit is also a bright alternative!

asos.goldie

The most helpful hint is probably looking for separates from the same places. Check out these shops!

Banana Republic

Ann Taylor

J Crew

J Crew Factory

White House Black Market

Chico’s

Marciano by Guess

Seriously, I may go out and buy some pants suits now! Stephanie, I may be a convert!

“If the shoe fits”, should I still wear it?

i have nothing to wear

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No matter what stage of life I have been in, I find it difficult to know what I should be wearing. Are any of you going through the same thing?

I remember being about 16 and shopping at Hollister. I went to pick up a cute top, and a girl who looked 13 came over with her mom and picked up the exact same top. Hmmm, was I too old, or was she too young?

Then a few years later, similar things started happening to me at Forever21, Charlotte Russe, and American Eagle. I mean, the clothes definitely fit me, but did that mean I should be wearing them?

After several unsettling instances, I started going to places like Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor LOFT, Banana Republic, and Express. These places were better, but then I was surrounded by cool moms and business-y ladies. Is it OK that I can wear a mother AND daughter’s wardrobes?

I recently started a new obsession with J. Crew. Of course they have been around for ages, but I feel like they are a good age appropriate store for a 20-something who is closer to 30 than 20.

My conclusion is that by MIXING pieces from Charlotte Russe and J Crew, I can create a unique look that looks expensive and pulled together without breaking the bank.

Check out this post for where I shop.

Where I Shop (For Clothes)

shopping bagssource

Where do I shop for my clothes?

ALDO

American Eagle

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor LOFT

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Factory

Bebe

Charming Charlie

Express

Forever21

J. Crew

J. Crew Factory

Kate Spade Outlet

Kohl’s

Marshalls

New York & Co.

Nine West

Nordstrom

Old Navy

Target

The Limited

TJ Maxx

These are the places I typically shop, but let’s be honest, there have been few stores where I can’t find something that I like. Reading other blogs, Pinterest, and Google searching things I’m craving, has led me to some great online shops for more unique pieces.

Happy Hunting!