Item of the Week

Not quite sure you want to edge into the tough, studded look just yet? There's no better piece to edge into it than a motorcycle jacket made of soft fleece. It's as easy as a hoodie (but without the hood) and all the style of a leather jacket. To make it preppy as well, try the plaid choice!

In stores and at ae.com - $89.50

Item of the Week

I don't know if any of you have been to the jewelry sections of Banana Republic or J.Crew recently, but these retail stores have really amped up their collections to include vintage-inspired pieces that don't look tacky and cheap (J.Crew even has a fine jewelry line). It's hard to find interesting, beautiful, or sometimes even decent quality jewelry on a recessionista budget, but these stores have just the antidote. Check out my most covetable pieces below (black backgrounds - jcrew.com; white backgrounds - bananarepublic.gap.com):

Crystal Floret Ring (in Crystal) - $65

Beaded Fireworks Necklace (in Heather Nectar) - $118

Wide Pearl Garden Bracelet (in Natural) - $88

Floral Fringe Cuff (in Gold) - $55

Garden Statement Necklace (in Gold) - $98

Vintage Beaded Bracelet (in Multi) - $44

Floral Fringe Necklace (in Gold) - $49.50

Item of the Week

Nothing's better in the summertime than a soft, silky tank-top. Try it tucked into lightweight pants, shorts, or a more form-fitting skirt for an interesting silhouette. Besides, the name just says it all :D

Available colours: Black,

Grey Taupe,

Midnight,

White, and Robins Egg Blue (both not pictured)

Unisex Viscose Sexuali-Tank - $24; store.americanapparel.net

also try:

Unisex Viscose Sexuali-Tee - $34; store.americanapparel.net

Item of the Week

Florals for spring? Too traditional! Try something new with this watercolour skirt - it's airy, simple, and unexpected, unlike your regular liberty print styles.


AE Pleated Summer Skirt (in Grey or Fuchsia Dip Dye) - $39.50; ae.com

Item of the Week

The must have pant of the season - in an effortlessly comfortable fabric, and affordable price. 

Silence & Noise Harem Pant (in Black) - $38; urbanoutfitters.com

Item(s) of the Week

I gotta say I'm really loving J.Crew basics for this upcoming spring/summer season. Hot vacation getaways on beaches are never the time to be fussy and precise, so it's easiest to pack breezy basics with simple accessories and unkempt hair. I'm not a big fan of summer, but that sounds pretty amazing right now. Spring collections are filtering in, and I recently spied these little beauties (which I had to have to sooth my often sullen moods). Spring fever's heading your way, and what better way to cope than with a little reasonably-budgeted retail shopping?

Slub Cotton Ripple-Ruffle Short-Sleeve Tee (in Misty Lavender (my favourite), Warm Blush, Tea Rose, and many other equally delectable-sounding names) - $39.50; jcrew.com and select J.Crew stores

Faded-Chambray Seaside Short (in Authentic Clean Wash) - $49.50; jcrew.com and select J.Crew stores

Item(s) of the Week

Sorry I haven't been posting in a while :/

I'm still loving J.Crew's jewelry collection - it's all unique and beautiful, but I'm especially loving these three items:

All available at jcrew.com or in certain J.Crew stores.

1.) Scattered-Boule Necklace (in Gold) - $45: By adding this to an simple casual outfit, you can elevate your look without having to go all-out. It's casual but elegant flair makes it versatile - try it with a simple patterned shift dress for a garden party or pair it with a thick-knit wool cardigan over a checkered button-up.

2.) Primrose Garden Bracelet (in Natural) - $40-$65: A very girly item, which can add a soft feminine flair to an outfit. I suggest wearing this with a light, billowy blouse under a menswear-style vest and cigarette jeans or J.Crew's Cafe Capri Pants (in Black) - $80. Medium-height heels will help lengthen your leg, creating an overall lean silhouette.

3.) Jeweled Palm-Leaf Necklace (in Metallic Rose) - $175: Certainly a pricey piece, but an investment nonetheless. For a less vibrant but equally playful piece at a lower price, try J.Crew's Double-Strand Elephant Necklace (in Light Khaki). This palm-leaf necklace combines the exotic colour palette of India in a contemporary, vintage-style piece. It's very bold, but the colours would look amazing with any skin tone - which is suggest wearing it with a bright re, brown, or white strapless cocktail dress and sculptural heels, for an "east meets west" style that will compliment almost every body type and aesthetic of dress.

Item of the Week

The explanation for this week's 'Item of the Week' is simple: I love Madewell. If you haven't checked it out before, you should now! 

Wool Flutter Top - $78; madewell1937.com  

Item of the Week

I'm still on a costume jewelry kick, so todays "Item of the Week" is spotlighting this great piece I found for a fraction of the designer jewelry cost. 

This brooch has a vintage feel, and is an easy way to dress-up an outfit. It adds sparkle in a classy way to a solid-coloured evening or cocktail dress, and is much chicer than loads of necklaces or bracelets. Remember - with costume jewelry, its important that you don't overload, because even one ring or necklace makes a bold statement. Highlight whichever piece you want to shine with a simple outfit, and unfussy hairdo. 

Old World Jeweled Pin (in Clear/Dark Grey) - $8; forever21.com

Item of the Week

Costume-like jewelry has taken over the fashion industry by storm. Delicate and dainty is all good and well, but bold statement jewels are where its at! It's one of the easiest ways to dress up and outfit, and can take even your regular work clothing from day to night, with the simply the addition of a large, brightly coloured necklace, bracelet, or ring. If you're hesitant about this trend, we suggest starting out with a ring or bangle in a bold colour and/or pattern. We have today, one of my favourite starter pieces for any statement jewelry virgin. It's playful, whimsical, and has an ethereal quality about it when worn with a flowing dress, but can also be worn with your regular sweater, jeans and flats/heels. Enjoy! 

Golden Bird's-Nest Ring (in Papaya or Ivory) - $50; jcrew.com

Use the code "MERRY" at checkout today and you'll get 20% off!

Item of the Week

As you know, every girl needs the perfect Little Black Dress. She needs the perfect pair of classic heels. She needs the perfect pair of jeans. And now, added to that list, every girl needs the perfect pair of flat boots that add casual, laid-back flair to any outfit. Wear them when you get sick of wearing flats; wear them with a dainty floral dress; wear them with leggings and a long tee; amp up their cowboy roots by wearing them with that perfect pair or jeans and a plaid shirt. It's these "forever" items that you'll want to shell out more money for the quality. We have, however, found a great pair in two versatile colours, and while they're not exactly a spur of the moment purchase, they won't break the bank! 

1.) & 2.) Dressage Riding Boots (in Black or Tobacco) - $158; urbanoutfitters.com

Other places with flat boots-aplenty:

Madewell - madewell1937.com

J.Crew - jcrew.com

Topshop - topshop.com

ASOS - asos.com

Item of the Week

A new recurring post! In Item of the Week, I pick the best find of the week, wether it's a splurge item, classy basic, or anything in-between. Our very first pick? This adorable purse, which has a vintage and western feel to it, and would go great with a casual pairing of jeans and a tucked-in white tee. The best part? It's under $30.

Nica Soft Flap Over Purse (in Tan) - $21; asos.com