the damage: april 2014!

At the end of each month this year I am planning to pause to take a look at my spending as it's related to my closet. I call these posts "the damage." Each month my target budget is $300 and only 5 pieces of clothing or shoes. I chose 5 items because I am working on making my closet a more curated place without a lot of hubris and also to try to put an end to the constant closet clean outs where loads of clothes get sent to charity. Not that there is anything wrong with giving clothes to charity, it's just that I hope to make my clothes last longer in general. For some this budget may sound like a lot and for others it may not... for me personally this is my monthly goal. It works for my budget and lifestyle and doesn't break the bank. Shopping budgets are a personal thing, but I share mine here to show how I stretch my budget and work to create a well curated and fully stocked closet.

This month I just bombed on the budget and on the pieces… but hey, you only live once.  Sometimes you just indulge in the chocolate cake and as it relates to shopping this month… I totally did.  On a completely different note I recently had someone comment (here? on Facebook? Twitter? I can't remember where) asking if this was real. If I really only spent $300 and if I really only bought (or try to) 5 pieces? Um, yes!?!? Of course it's real. I don't make this @#*! up!  So if you ever wondered… your answer is yes.  And that is what makes posts like today especially hard to write because I went overboard and now I have to fess up.  (even though it's my money and my closet I feel accountable to you and myself)

 (from the top down)

*h&m, navy swing sweater, $19.95

old navy, black skirt, $24.94 marked down was $17.46

j.crew, chambray tunic, $98 marked down was $48.99

*madewell, striped side zip sweater, $89.50 with 20% off was $71.60

madewell, black pin tucked tank, $78 with 20% off was $62.40

j.crew, zip shoulder sweater, $79.50 marked down was $41.99

madewell, linen embroidered tank, $68 with 20% off was $54.40

*h&m, blue & white striped oxford top, $29.95

h&m, scarf, $12.95

*madewell, cropped jeans, $115.00 with 20% off was $92

kate spade outlet, tote (this one is similar looking to the one I purchased) $248 marked down was $90

madewell, black purse, $198 with 20% was $158.40

j.crew, black sandals, $178 marked down was $90.99

sole society, brown sandals, $64.95 used store credit was $0

total spent: $710.08 (saved $346.66)

Some thoughts on the budget:  After about 5 months of being right on budget or just below budget, as I said earlier, I just blew the budget out of the water. Purses and shoes were the major culprit, but let me not mince words - I just spent A LOT on clothing.  I have zero buyers remorse (which is something I rarely suffer from anyway) and to make up for it I will likely scale back considerably for May and maybe even June.  This month was an outlier and also I splurged a bit with the upcoming Mother's Day (yes, I buy a little extra for myself!).

Some thoughts on the pieces: Madewell offered us 20% off at the recent event that I co-hosted with them and since that brand doesn't do many discounts AND I found tons of stuff I liked, I really splurged (again, it's almost Mother's Day! wink, wink!).  Same with J.Crew… I found three pieces that I had been eyeing for a while on sale plus 30% off (or maybe 40%, I can't remember) and I pulled the trigger.  Those black sandals I have literally wanted for like 3 years - no exaggeration! Notice above that there are 4 pieces that have *'s next to them… those pieces represent "replacements" for items in my wardrobe that needed replacing or were replaced.  As in, for each of those items purchased a similar item from my closet was retired/sent to Goodwill because it was worn out/stretched out/not wearable anymore.  This is to keep my closet from overflowing which was the point of restricting myself to 5 pieces a month in the first place. 

Please let me know if you have any questions about certain pieces or whatever.  And hopefully even though I busted the budget we can still be friends… can we!?!?  Also, let me know if you feature your budget on your own blog… I would love to check it out!

On another note… can you believe it's May tomorrow? Crazy!

playing dress up: three ways to style distressed denim!

I've got a fun new series today that I am super excited about called 'playing dress up'! Lately I've been feeling a little ho-hum about my usual "outfit posts"… I wanted a way to bring you gals real life style but in a way that really packed a punch and was full of lots of great inspiration.

I have found that photographing looks throughout the week that feature what I am wearing can be really, really challenging… especially with a super busy photographer (my husband) and two busy kids.  It just wasn't happening as regularly as I wanted it to.  And when it was happening it felt super rushed and uninspired on my part.  So I am going to try and take a break from the usual outfit posts in exchange for a full on session of playing dress up here at home.  This way I am able to show you how I style the pieces in my closet, but without the pressure of getting pictures at random intervals throughout the week.  As a blogger I am still learning to balance life with work, even after all these years.  Trying new projects like this get my creative juices flowing again and hopefully bring you readers great content as well.  I hope you like this new series!

I thought I would start this new series with my favorite jeans… my distressed jeans from the Gap. I know not everyone loves this look and they are not for all events or occasions either. But what I DO love about distressed jeans is that they add an extra layer of texture and laid back appeal to any look.  I never want to take style to seriously and distressed jeans have that exact vibe - not so serious.

Here I styled them a little sporty, dressed up for a night out and a little preppy.  I absolutely loved all these looks and will be recreating them (off camera) again very soon.

get the look

sporty: top, emmerson fry (similar) | jeans, gap | necklace, baublebar | sunglasses, ray ban | shoes, superega | clutch, j.crew factory

night out: top, j.crew factory (similar) | shoes, j.crew | bag, kate spade (similar) | earrings, j.crew (similar) | bracelet, dear prudence (similar)

preppy: blazer, gap | oxford top, h&m | bag, j.crew (similar) | shoes, j.crew factory

Stay tuned as I will have more of these posts coming soon (let me know if there is a particular piece you want styled too!) and tomorrow is this month's installment of "the damage" and it's going to be like a confession booth friends, lots of shopping this month (which is both good and bad!).

Madewell Insider Shopping Event!

This past weekend the Madewell store at the Somerset Collection invited my friends and I for a little shopping event!  We were treated like absolute royalty and seriously got our shop on with Madewell's newest spring arrivals (which are AMAZING!).  Before we arrived they arranged for snacks and wine (seriously, how will I ever shop without snacks and wine at the ready again?) and Erica pulled outfit suggestions for the "stylish mom on the go" (which was perfect because all the gals that went with me are exactly that!).  They reserved fitting rooms for us (such a luxury for our mass try-on sesh!) and seriously spoiled us from start to finish.

A huge thank you to the whole Madewell store at Somerset and specifically Amanda and Erica!

What I love about shopping with girlfriends (besides the major bonding and non-stop chatting and giggling) is getting other women's perspective on clothing.  They pick out different things than I would or style pieces differently than I would.  It's like shopping with four extra pairs of eyes.  Below I rounded up the favorites of ours from the shopping trip.  

1. silk pocket skirt… I loved this relaxed skirt on my friend Summer.  It's perfect to dress up or down for the spring and summer.

2. leather handbag… the leather handbag selection at Madewell is perfection.  Great prices for butter soft leather in classic and simple silhouettes.

3. side zip striped sweater… more than a few of us ended up with this sweater in our shopping bag. It was universally flattering and we all agreed that while this a great spring/summer sweater it will also transition well to fall.

4. embroidered shift dress… my friend Meg snagged this beauty and it's gorgeous for summer and definitely party ready.  We all agreed that it would be darling with a denim jacket too.

5. cropped skinny jeans… Madewell denim may just be my new favorite. In great cuts and super stretchy fabrics that are touted to not have the six o'clock sag (you know gals!) I am hooked.  Plus they offer free shipping and returns on all online denim purchases or free hemming in store.  Score!

6. leather sandal… their leather shoes stack right up their with their leather bags. Every gal that tried these shoes on LOVED them - and they were ULTRA flattering.  My friend Carrie took these home with her and I can't wait to see her wear them!

7. clubsport tee… many of us confessed we are hooked on the baseball/varsity style tees that Madewell offers (and boy do they have some great offerings!) this top was no exception.  The super thick cotton material made it really flattering.

8. chevron necklace… my friend Meg has had this necklace for a while and she wears it ALL the time and it looks great with everything.  We all decided it's an absolute winner.

Thanks again to Madewell and my friends for such a fun day!

Also check out the current #totewell contest Madewell has going on right now where you could win a $1,000.00 shopping spree. Details here!

my everyday style: white + taupe!

One trend I am super excited about this spring and summer are mixing whites and taupes… and with the recent (albeit sporadic) warm and sunny days I thought it would be an ideal time to try it out.  Neons are a great addition to taupes and white… a little discovery I made while trying necklaces on with this outfit.  Don't you love serendipitous style discoveries?

In other news… it's Friday!  Yay!  Was this the longest week ever? Or do all weeks feel that way now that spring is here… every Monday is a race to the weekend.  Have a great one!

Outfit details:
Ray-Ban® cat-eye Wayfarer® sunglasses • Ray-Ban
      less expensive similar: Fantas Eyes Tortoise Shell Cat Eye Sunglasses (Juniors) • Fantas-Eyes
      less expensive similar: Sea Song Cat-Eye Sunglasses • Cat Eye

J.Crew Necklace (a gift from this sweet lady!)
       similar: Factory petal cluster necklace • J.Crew Factory

Nine West Women's Solitude Sandal • Nine West
      less expensive similar: Women's Metallic Cross-Strap Sandals • Old Navy
      less expensive similar: Women's Metallic Wedge Sandals • Old Navy

Merino zip-shoulder sweater • J.Crew - on sale!
       less expensive similar: ASOS Sweater With Zip Shoulders • Asos
       less expensive similar: Worthington® Shoulder-Zip Crewneck Sweater • jcpenney

1969 Cuffed Always Skinny Jeans • Gap Merona® 
       less expensive similar: Women's Straight Leg Jean (Modern Fit) - Assorted Colors • Merona
       less expensive similar: Women's The Rockstar Cropped White Jeans • Old Navy

fresh finds under $50!

How is your spring wardrobe coming along? I always feel like I have a few holes that need to be filled when the seasons change.  This season is no exception!  Here I found some great wardrobe pieces all at under $50 that are sure to fill some gaps in your spring wardrobe and of course that will be super fun to wear this spring!

1. striped top 2. stacked rings 3. hair ties 4. cosmetic clutch 5. skirt 6. jacket 7. espadrilles 8. romper (perfect for a pool or beach cover-up!) 9. hat 10. sandals 11. scarf 12. sweater 13. clutch 14. sunglasses 15. bracelet

my everyday style: sweatshirt chic!

It's a given that if you buy a new sweatshirt you are going to want to wear it constantly.   This sweatshirt is part sweater and part sweatshirt which makes it even more alluring and wanting to wear it constantly is an understatement.  But I'm not here to talk about sweatshirts today (we should take a rain check on that though!). I thought I would do a little review on the J.Crew Pixie Pant that I bought a few months ago.  A lot of you were wondering about them and whether they were worth it, etc, etc.

After wearing them once I decided to get the length tailored.  You can buy them in a short length from J.Crew online but the sales lady at the store said she had done that (she was about my height) and said they were still too long.  So I took her word for it and bought the regular pair and the tailor hemmed them for inexpensive ($10 I think).

While I was at the tailor the gal that was helping me said they install stop zippers on these same pants quite often.  I was so intrigued by this but fore-went the zipper at the time.  The zipper that they come with can sneak down during the day - although I haven't really had a problem with it.  But what I would love about a stop zipper is then being able to get rid of the hook and eye closure at the top of the zipper. Hook and eyes drive me nuts mostly because I can't work them behind my back (am I alone?) and sometimes it digs into me while wearing these pants (only when sitting in the car I've noticed).  So eventually I will probably go back and get the stop zipper.

The other question a lot of you had was the "dry clean only" instructions that come with these pants.  If any one isn't a dry clean kind of gal, it's me.  Another tip from the sales lady was to hand wash them and lay them flat.  My washing machine at home does a REALLY good job on the hand wash cycle so after quite a few wears (I think 5 or 6) with a wish and a prayer I put them in the hand wash cycle on my washer. (Make sure you trust the hand wash or gentle cycle of your washing machine before doing this)  They were a little stiff and had shrunk the tiny, tiny, tiniest amount but after wearing them for an hour or so were just fine.  It was similar to washing jeans and then "breaking them in" again after the dryer (but I wouldn't put these in the dryer like jeans!).

The final verdict!?  I wear these pants about 2 times a week and absolutely LOVE them (I would seriously wear them more if I wasn't embarrassed to) so for $98 they are absolutely worth it in my book.  They aren't cheap but it beats picking up $10 leggings every other month because they fade or get holes in them.

I know this post was lengthy but I hope that if you were thinking about buying the J.Crew Pixie Pant you had some of your questions answered about them with this little review.

Details:
Sweatshirt Sweater, J.Crew (similar less expensive or also very cute)
Jacket, H&M (or this very popular option)
Pants, J.Crew Pixie Pant
Shoes, Piperlime (or in leather)
Sunglasses, Kate Spade (similar less expensive)
Purse, J.Crew (similar or similar or drool worthy)

cool workout wear!

You guys… I quit my gym at the beginning of 2014 and I've never felt better, stronger or more in shape. Crazy, right?

The whole "gym" thing just wasn't inspiring me anymore. So one of my resolutions for 2014 was to switch it up workout wise (being 35 years old and NOT working out wasn't an option - sad, right?!?).  I started Pure Barre in January and between that and some at home pilates with Robin (her programs are awesome! I started with her slim & strong program last fall and am a huge fan!) I am feeling stronger and fitter than ever.  I've found the two programs (Pure Barre + Pilates) combined really works well for me and my body type.

Even though I am loving this duo we all need a little extra motivation now and then… you know? And for me that motivation sometimes comes from the scale (although I would rather it didn't) and more likely comes from some new rocking awesome fitness apparel.  I recently discovered that Anthropologie carries some really gorgeous and unique fitness apparel.  Who would have thought?

Hopefully I am not the only for which snazzy new gym shoes, compression pants and workout tanks make getting out of bed in the morning and getting moving easier (or coming home from work and getting moving).  Who's with me?  A few of these items are going on my Mother's Day wish list… aren't they gorgeous?

1. chroma cropped leggings and spectrum racerback bra

2. all in one tank

3. geodiamond racerback bra

4. lace and stripe banded tank

5. fold over draw string joggers 

Also check out my Pinterest round up of great at-home work out routines.  I've tried a few of these and they are AWESOME! 

my everyday style: spring fashion with Zappos!

When you think Zappos you think shoes (and fast shipping!) right!?!? So do I friends… or at least I used to.  Zappos emailed me to introduce me to their amazing fashion offerings along with their ever present mastery of the online shoe market.  I was floored by all the great pieces they carry from the brands that everyone loves (think Joie, Loeffler Randall, Rebecca Minkoff and 7 for All Mankind to name a few).  Plus… the shipping for their great clothing pieces is just as quick and reliable as for their shoes.  They are the best in biz for shipping in my book.  And if you need any inspiration they have tons…

In other news... spring has sprung! Finally… I mean look at me in bare legs and breaking out an orange handbag! It's heaven. The trees and grass still need a little greening but we are in business over here friends.  I am absolutely walking on air over it.  Is there any better feeling in the world than spring?

I hope you are properly "hopped" up (gotta love a good Easter pun) on candy from the Easter bunny on this Monday morning friends.

Details:
Dress, Soft Joie - ℅ Zappos.com
Jacket, American Eagle - ℅ (similar)
Bag, J.Crew (a cute orange clutch or an orange purse)
Necklace, Baublebar (or matching earrings… so cute!)
Sandals, Loeffler Randall - ℅ Zappos.com

new arrivals: gap!

When the seasons change one of my favorite emails to get from retailers are those featuring the new arrivals!  New arrivals! New arrivals!  The happiest online shopping times in my book… (I don't mind the sale emails either!)

I am really loving the Gap's super laid back spring pieces lately… Plus it seems they are always having a promotion anywhere from 15 - 40% off so keep an eye out for sales to snag new arrivals. Gere are some highlights:

1. grey blazer… This is a super versatile piece and the pop of neon on the cuff is so fun for spring! Wear this with a simple white tee or graphic tee all spring!

2. open knit sweater… I love a good spring sweater.  They are cozy but light as air and perfect for days when the sun says spring but the temps say cold.

3. pale pink chinos… Don't these look like the ultimate in laid back chic? I would pair them with a black tee and black pointy flats for a edgy spring look.

4. pleated denim skirt… A new take on a classic denim skirt.

5. blue leather tote… I always love Gap's ultra simple handbag styles. This bag would be a great tote/purse option for spring.  

6. striped dress… This breezy classic dress with an updated hemline style is the perfect spring dress in my book.  I would pair this with a denim jacket or bold necklace.

7. eyelet back sweatshirt… Eyelet paired with a sweatshirt.  A dream come true in my book!

8. bright printed scarf… As I packed away my winter scarves I realized I seriously need some new spring-y scarves. This one would add a great pop of color to any outfit.

9. sequined espadrille sandals… These sandals are practical and simple but totally blinged out at the same time.  Love it!

10. eyelet shorts… I can't wait to wear the similar pair of eyelet shorts I got last summer.  If you don't have a pair yet… check out this pair!

What new arrivals are you loving these days?

Have a great weekend and happy Easter! I hope you have a warm and sunshine filled weekend!

my everyday style: jacket season!

Some time vortex just occurred and it's Easter this weekend.  And Easter is even late this year.  Am I the only one who this snuck up on? I think not actually because as I was doing a fast grab for Easter basket goodies at Target yesterday I was not alone.  No my friend, there were plenty of other moms doing the same thing!

While I have been waiting ever so patiently for spring to arrive (or not patiently at all) it's still hard to believe that it is kite season already.  Fess up, who else got a kite in their Easter basket every year as kids? I can't be the only one who broke a kite on Easter every year as a kid (so depressing).  My kids will know this season as sidewalk chalk season… that's what they get in their baskets every year. Parents are quirky like that.

Are your Easter baskets packed? Or did you eat all the candy already (If you did, I will confess I did too.  If not, then well what candy?)?  I hope you are enjoying spring in your neck of the woods.

Details:
Jacket, Zara - old (similar or similar)
T-shirt, J.Crew
Necklace, Baublebar*
Jeans, Old Navy - ℅ last year
Shoes, Kate Spade (similar or similar less expensive)
Bag, J.Crew (similar - cute and under $100!)
Sunglasses, Ray Ban

*if you are keeping track at home of my clothing budget/allowance (see posts here) accessories like this necklace don't count for my "5 pieces".  I recently did do a little "stock up" at Baublebar for spring and you will see those pieces here on the blog or on my instagram!

3 ways to style a white tee!

The other day I had this crazy flashback to one of the first posts I ever wrote here on this blog… it was all about my favorite basic t-shirts. It's hard to believe that was 6 years ago! While this blog has evolved drastically in the past 6 years (seriously, don't visit the archives - they are terrible!) my love for a simple t-shirt on any given day has not evolved.  I love them dearly.

I love how a t-shirt can go from simple and plain to dressed up and pulled together with just a few extra layers and accessories.  But simple or not… they are always comfortable, which is a huge bonus in my book.  Here are a few inspirations for wearing your basic tees this spring…

top look: white tee, skirt, cardigan, wedges, earrings

middle look: white tee, jacket, flats, necklace, leggings

bottom look: white tee, jeans, sandals, scarf, bracelet, purse (so cute and it's from old navy!)

my everyday style: vacation looks!

After spending a week in California I'm super blissed out this week.  We had a really long travel day on Sunday (a red eye then a five hour layover - seriously, I don't recommend that!) and I was dreading what this week would be. But now that I am back in the swing of things I realized how much I really needed a break - from life and from the blog. I seriously can't thank you readers enough for giving me the break and coming back this week again!  I feel on top of the world right now… and that is definitely a 180 after this rough, rough winter.

I posted just a few outfit looks while on vacation last week to Instagram… I wish I would have posted more because I just love laid back vacation outfits. But the truth was I was SO laid back (read: lazy!) that I just didn't.  California treated us so so well. This vacation will seriously go down as one of the best ever in our families history I am sure.  We absolutely fell in love with California.  The mornings and evenings are cool (perfect for sporting a pair of jeans and light sweater) and the afternoons are deliciously warm and sunny (think: shorts, tees, bathing suits, flip flops on repeat).  Layers were key for the whole trip… we usually spent the mornings and sunsets at the beach and the late mornings and afternoons at the pools (rough, huh?).  Even though the evenings were a touch cool sometimes we vowed to eat every dinner outside.  And we did!  We were pleasantly surprised that most patios at the restaurants were heated (my dream come true!).

Here are a few of my vacation looks…

(above: J.Crew sweater - on sale!, Ray Ban sunglasses, H&M scarf  - similar, AG Jeans, Sole Society wedges - similar or similar)

(above: J.Crew striped top - similar, Dear Pru necklace - similar, Old Navy skirt - obsessed with this skirt!, Gap sandals, American Eagle denim jacket ℅ - similar, J.Crew bag - similar)

(above: J.Crew sweater on my shoulders - similar, J.Crew "merci" tee - similar, Gap white jeans, Kate Spade sunglasses)

Check out more vacation pics and randomness on Instagram!