Family Style
This summer I’m obsessed with finding the perfect straw tote–the kind of tote that would feel equally at home on the beach, as at the flea market, as at the playground, as on the city streets. There is something so perfectly summery about a straw market tote, isn’t there? And I will not rest until I find just the right specimen. Budget-friendly, durable, pleasing to look at… maybe it’s not asking too much if I say I want it to have a certain Frenchy feel? Nothing wrong with that, am I right?
A few of my favorite contenders, after the jump.
Perhaps you’ve seen the ubiquitous J.Crew bubble necklace around town and have been filled with such undeniable lust, only to get home, pull it up on the website (or even worse, head into the store and spot it in person) only to gasp in alarm at the price. $150.00! That’s not chump change! But rather than save your pennies for months or carve it out of the grocery budget (come on, we’ve all done it), I’ve found you a more than acceptable budget friendly option. You’re not going to believe how perfect it is (and it’s only $39.00!).
Find out where after the jump!
Prints are having a huge moment in fashion. Whether it’s polka dots, florals, stripes, chevrons, ikats or lace, chances are you’re faced with a closet full of prints and a sartorial challenge ahead. But rocking the prints doesn’t have to be intimidating, or an exercise in “look at me!” loud dressing, either.
After the jump, I’ve rounded up a collection of the most of-the-moment prints and some tricks for how to wear them as subtly as possible. (But not too subtly, I mean, let’s have a bit of fun with it, right?)
I’ve written before about how much I love the Forever 21 as a “safe place” to try ridiculous trends–at most you’re out $20–but I also love Forever 21 for their great take on basics. Five-dollar white tee shirts, ten-dollar skinny jeans (that are seriously amazing), flip flops and nail polish and fairly decent underwear and, if you’re in a pinch, even work out gear. (Then there’s the rest of Forever 21, approximately 85% really bad club wear…)
If I’m browsing my favorite online shopping haunts and I come really close to pulling the trigger on something full-price, I always take a step back and see if I can’t find that same piece at Forever 21 first. For example: that insanely awesome ombréd maxi skirt there? Every bit as chic as this J.Crew skirt HERE, and at a fraction of the price! So there we have it. Basics, silly trends you’d never really actually try except they’re so cheap, and the occasional perfect knock off of the knock off of the knock off. Thanks for that, Forever 21. You’re all right!
After the jump, the best of what’s new in stock this week! Hope you enjoy!
Lots of really great stuff this week! I almost can’t believe it. I may have actually said, “Whaaaaaaaaaat?” at my computer in disbelief when I realized that they had restocked so hard.
What are we waiting for? Your closet needs to feel some love. Why not give it a great, big kiss with some inexpensive sweatshop clothes? ;)
It seems like we all go through periods in our life that are so special, so delicate in our hearts, that the jewelry we wear or accumulate or receive at the time suddenly takes on a special significance to us. As if the jewelry itself could preserve the memory. This must be why jewelry companies do so well around Christmases, Mother’s Days, weddings, births, and anniversaries, yes?
I’m not one who goes crazy over accessories (except for shoes — do shoes count as accessories?), and yet I have a small box positively filled with jewelry. Some of it is expensive, but most of it is on the cheaper side, and all of them are full of precious memories. I’ll never ever get rid of them, no matter how ugly or out of fashion or how poorly they match my outfits.
We all have these little stashes, don’t we? And how fascinating would it be to see what everyone’s most significant jewelry looks like?! After the jump, I’m sharing mine and asking anyone who is interested to submit a photo of their own special jewels and trinkets for a follow-up to this piece that I’ll post next week. I hope you enjoy! And please, do not hesitate to share!
What do you look for in a great summer dress?
Me, I look for the right hem line (nothing shorter than two inches above the knee–I have subway seats to sit on, you understand), a nice, breathable fabric, and a color or pattern that excites me. It has to be durable for afternoons at the playground and morning errands and afternoon naps in between. And sometimes I’d like for it to make it to church with me and still let me feel like a lady. It’s a tall order!
I’ve done some scouring and have found a few perfect summer dresses, should you share my summer dress requirements. They’re after the jump!
Victoria Smith 
Melanie Blodgett 
Natalie Holbrook 
Nicole Balch 
Gabrielle Blair 
Jaime Morrison Curtis 
Rachel Faucett 
Jordan Ferney 
Chelsea Fuss 
Michelle Horton 
Liz Stanley 
Rachelle Wilde 
Jan 
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