fall retailer preview: Forever 21!

I am feeling a bit better, thank you for all your well-wishes. I'm trying to keep up with things here and behind the scenes... so THANK YOU for your patience!

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Forever 21 is an always go-to stop for me for the trendier items in my wardrobe. You can't beat the prices (that is if you can stand the rude teen shop-girls, but I don't mind them... I'm like two times their age. Reminds me of the "I hope you have good insurance" movie scene... what movie is that even from?) ANYWAY, this fall is no exception. Forever 21 has some great pieces this fall... let's take a look at them!

1. This season I am particularly drawn to flouncy blouses like this one. It would be a classy and versatile addition to any wardrobe, whether paired with jeans or trousers. (Silken Blouse, $27.80)

2. Bold necklaces with vintage flair to them are a no-brainer this season. They can quickly and easily dress up any outfit! (Grand Chain Necklace, $8.80)

3. Boots, boots, boots! I love this pair, they would be great to wear everyday. And how cute are the laces up the back? (Suede Lace Up Booties, $22.80)

4. I love this style of a smaller cross-body bag lately. So practical and a little bit throwback feeling. The price is right on this one! (Distressed Leatherette Bag, $24.80)

5. Skinny cargo pants, need I say more? These are oft coveted on the interwebs lately... very cute! (Cargo Pants, $27.80)

6. I feel like I sound like a broken record with the bold jewelry thing. But I love this look because it's so simple. Add this bracelet and voila! Instant statement! (Wide Metal Cuff, $8.80)

7. The feminine details of this cardigan are so adorable. Very JCrew-ish without the price tag. Love it! (Skewed Cardigan, $19.80)

I'm just about done wrapping up my fall retailer previews... is there a store you wanted to see that I might have missed? Let me know!

fall retailer preview: Gap!

Did you guys take advantage of Gap's Give & Get this weekend? My sister-in-law has worked for them forever, so we always have a steady invite to save, save, save! But if you don't have a friend in the biz, follow Gap on Facebook... I think they were offering the savings there as well! I mostly shopped for my kiddos this weekend (them first, me later... such is life as a mom!) for fall clothing, but I did take a minute to snag a few things for myself and get a good eye on their new fall line.

Fall at the Gap is decidedly sophisticated this year... I really liked all they had to offer. It's the classic pieces you expect from Gap with some really great subtly embellished pieces mixed in. A lot of the fabrics are luxurious and the styling is gorgeous, I would say a notch up from the super classic pieces we usually see from Gap. Over all, I was impressed.

1. Tops like this are perfect to ease into fall with. This one is great on it's own or layered with a blazer or cardigan. The colors also reminded me of the cami I wore HERE that seemed so popular! (Ruffled Micro-Print Sleeveless Top)

2. These pants are super cool. I love the tuxedo stripe down the side and I would definitely wear them cuffed like this! They would be fun with a glittery top for a girls night out or with a blazer for a business casual setting. (Tuxedo Pants, $49.50)

3. I just love this tee... as a mom I am always looking for comfortable (and machine washable!) tops in unique silhouettes. This is definitely one of those... very easy to wear and easy to take care of! (Dolman T, $19.50)

4. This sweater is the stuff that my fall dreams are made of. It's refined, but cozy and with great architectural details. Love, love, love! (Double-Breasted Cardigan, $79.50)

5. Is it just me or are dresses with long sleeves virtually impossible to find? This dress would be great for a fall wedding or layered with tights and a cardigan for cool fall days. This dark purple is gorgeous. (Ruffle Shirt Dress, $59.50)

6. Trying to choose a favorite pair of jeans from the Gap is like trying to choose a favorite child. I just love them all. I could take one in each finish and fit - but jeans are already over-running my closet! I just love these fun bleached pair! (Always Skinny Jeans (bleached wash), $69.50)

fall retailer preview: LOFT!

The fall retailer previews continue today with LOFT (formerly Ann Taylor Loft)... what I love most about LOFT is that their clothes are very modern and a touch trendy... but also very appropriate for a business or business casual environment. So this is really the best of both worlds. I know personally, when I used to work I would wear lots of LOFT pieces and especially loved their suits and their petite lines (it's hard to find good suits in petite).

Let's dig right into the goods...



1. I love this feminine yet utilitarian bag... the bows and cross body strap are just perfect. Nylon Hobo, $49.99

2. How gorgeous is this cardigan? It would add instant flair and sophistication to any outfit... just gorgeous! Shoulder Ruffle Cardigan, $29.99

3. I just love this skirt... I need to wear more skirts. This one is perfect for an evening out or dressed down with tights and a blazer for a more mature look. Just love! Gold Brocade Skirt, $69.50

4. Cargos, cargos, cargos... this pair has a hint of pink to them. I just love that they feel cozy for fall but look great too... Marisa Slim Cargos, $59.50

5. Modern tanks like this one are perfect for layering with blazers and cardigans as the weather gets cooler. Ruffle Sleeve Bubble Shell, $44.50

6. I could take one of each of the military jackets that retailers are selling these days. I just love each and every one of them. This one is no exception.
Belted Military Jacket, $89.50

fall preview: old navy

Today's fall retailer preview is Old Navy! Old Navy has always been a favorite of mine... I would say that their fall line isn't super strong this year. But I do love that Old Navy is offering some great neutral staples in modern silhouettes that would be a great way to easily freshen up your wardrobe. These pieces will definitely be great staple pieces with a bit of flair!



1. I love these fun and funky earrings... they would be a great accent to a cozy fall sweater. Chain Drop Earrings, $9.50

2. Ponchos/Capes were way in and then they were way out. Sometimes things go that way. But this snuggly little lover has my name all over it... plus skinny jeans, plus boots. Yes, please! Marled Cape, $39.50


3. You all know I love me some skinny jeans... I love that these have a unique and distressed feel to them. Very chic! Moto Skinny Jean, $34.50

4. A classic trench never goes out of style. And how can you beat this price? Button Front Trench, $49.50

5. I love this sweater... it would be so perfect layered with a blazer for extra warmth and style. I also love that while it looks warm and cozy, it has sleek lines. Zip Front Cardi, $44.50

6. This scarf is gorgeous... need I say more. One can never have too many scarves! Patterned Fringe Scarf, $12.50

7. A classic bag is a fall staple (check out my fall looks:book if you don't believe me!). This one is a great bag at a great price. Canvas Bucket Bag, $19.50

fall preview: Charlotte Russe

This week I am kicking off tons of fall previews... with my outfits and retailer fall previews as well! There are so many goodies popping up in retailers I thought I would highlight some of my favorites over the coming days. First up, Charlotte Russe. CR has just tons of great stuff for fall... their styles ebb and flow in my opinion. But this fall they have quite a few great pieces that I would love to add to my wardrobe!


What I love about fall fashion this year is the ying and the yang of the classic pieces with the bold accessories and tops. The various pieces I chose here definitely tell that story.

1. You all know that I am not a huge dress person... but I love the subtle sheen of this dress. It would be fun to pair with a pair of brown knee high boots and a blazer or jacket for fall. (Embellished Shimmer Dress, $29)

2. This jacket is on my MUST HAVE list for fall... military jackets were big this summer and if you bought one already it will be a great carry-over piece for fall. I love that this one is gathered at the waist and has a slim fit to it. (Pocket Jacket, $36)

3. A bold and flashy tank like this one is a perfect pairing with a more classic or rustic jacket like the one above. Perfect ying and yang. (Sequin Front Tank, $18)

4. Cozy wrap sweaters like this are the epitome of fall to me. This one is no exception, it would look fab with boots, skinny jeans and a tee shirt. (Chunky Knit Tunic, $34.50)

5. Basic tops like this one are never out of style... you may already have one similar to this in your closet already. I love it's simple pull-on-and-go feel... with jeans and flats or boat shoes is a perfect transition top for summer to fall. (Pinstripe Henley, $22.50)

6. This necklace is again a great example of the boldness that can be fun to accessorize with this fall. Grab this necklace and a t-shirt and you are set! (Chain & Sparkle Necklace, $12.50)

7. I'm a sucker for belts... what else can I say? This one is just gorgeous! (Studded Belt, $9.50)