Sequin Floral Party Pants

Collection Cafe Capri in Embellished Floral - $795 from J.Crew

Well, J.Crew has done it again and made me want to spend more than one month's rent on a pair of pants... While I certainly could not do that, the 25% sale (along with the $50 gift card I still have from Christmas) has me contemplating buying this blouse and just about everything from the jewelry page. I guess if I had to pick just one piece I would pick this necklace (or this, or this, or this one...). The party pants department is pretty lust-worthy as well... Sigh.

love the little sequin flowers!

Heavy Heart

I feel as though I cannot go on posting about fashion and shopping without recognizing how trivial those things seem at a time like this. I am deeply saddened by the horrible events yesterday that occurred in my hometown of Boston. This tragedy hits especially close to home, but I find solace in knowing how many people came together and continue to come together to help those affected by the disaster. I am always in awe of all the people who rush to help those in need in horrific events such as this, especially because they completely disregard their own safety to help others. First responders, surgeons, nurses, law enforcement, volunteers, everyone who helps - they all can never be thanked enough. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends, and anyone else who is affected. My heart will be heavy for many days and weeks to come.

Floral and Leopard

Blazer: Ann Taylor Loft, T-Shirt: Gap, Jeans: Paige via Nordtrom Rack, Bag: Forever 21, Shoes: Aerosoles via Lord & Taylor (sale), Lipstick: M.A.C Candy Yum-Yum

I did it. I broke my shopping fast and bought the Loft blazer I've been eyeing for awhile. I couldn't resist when I walked in the store and it was even cheaper than it was online... and I have no regrets. I've worn it with printed pants, a black peplum top, black pants, a coral top - the possibilities seem endless. Here I pair it with my favorite closet staples: a white tee, jeans, and leopard shoes (a girl can never own too many pairs of leopard shoes). Sometimes the simplest outfits are the best - complete with lipstick, of course.

Zara Crushes

Zara Zara Zara, you always make me want to spend my money on you. Fortunately, most of the pieces are affordable and good quality. Unfortunately, I always want so many items that it ends up not being a budget-friendly place to shop. Below are some items I have my eye on for spring/summer:

 

 

COMBINATION JACQUARD TOP $79.90

A splurge (for me) for a shirt, but I am a sucker for white tops, a sparkle embellishment, textured fabric, and a structured design.

 

 

CULOTTE SHORTS $49.90

 Zara is KILLING it with their shorts right now. The pair above would be so chic to wear on a summer night out with either a graphic t-shirt/statement necklace, a white collared button-down, or a feminine top. Also loving this black and white pair, these leather-look, and these floral silk.

 

MID-HEEL SANDALS WITH ANKLE STRAP $49.90

 

I recently Instagramed a pair of Michael Kors heels that looked identical to the ones above, only they were much more expensive ($129.99 at TJMaxx). I love the simplicity of the straps, and the fact that I would actually be able to walk in them (heel height measuring just under 3 inches, my personal, realistic max). They'd look great with the Culotte Shorts too...

 

 

METALLIC CLUTCH BAG $35.90

 

I'm a sucker for clutches, even though I am always afraid I will lose them on a night out. This one has a wrist strap which would prevent it from slipping out from under my arm while dancing, sipping a drink, or reading a book... The metallic is modern without being too "out-there," it would go with everything, it's big enough to fit all of the necessities, and it's only $35! What more could a girl ask for?

 

Now the question is, how will I decide?!

 

THE Summer Sandal

This Sam Edelman "Trina" Sandal is currently the top shoe I am coveting for summer. You can't go wrong with a simple, leather sandal and I love this current version with its short, chunky, gold heel. 

While it is a "splurge" item, I believe it would be well worth the investment as I would be able to wear them every single day, dressed up or dressed down. The hardest decision is which color to choose!

Sam Eldeman Trina Sandal, $100 at Nordstrom, Zappos, Piperlime

images 

I envision the "whiskey" brown or nude/yellow pair with a chambray top and pastel scalloped shorts for a simple summer look:

Chambray Shirt $69.50 via Madewell (worth the investment), Scalloped Shorts $17.80 via Forever 21

Spring Party Blazer

 

LOFT Blazer: Was $98, on sale for $89.99 (+40% off = $53.99) 

I've been stalking this blazer for awhile now, and am thinking I might have to make it mine soon as the price keeps going down (see, stalking can be a good thing). It'd be the perfect almost-spring pick me up (so sick of winter!). What makes it such a great piece is that you can wear it so many ways - with an LBD, jeans, or a pop of leopard print. Pair it with one of the biggest trends of the season - bold black and white stripes (like this tee, this dress, or this tank dress) - for a super chic look.

Trying Trends

 

Beanie & Camo Shirt: Primark (London); Tee: Gap (old), Jeans & Bag: Forever 21 (both recent); Sneakers: Target

 

Like I have mentioned previously, I'm obsessed with the beanie trend (now that winter is almost over... not the best timing, but also not sad about spring coming). So when I saw this neon pink beanie in London for just over $1, I had to have it. I'm also loving the camo trend, and the wedge sneaker trend - ok lots of trends. I think trends are great, but I make sure to keep a couple of things in mind when wearing them:

 

1. Buy trendy items on the cheap - check stores like Forever 21, H&M, Target, etc. No one (with the average wallet) wants to drop a ton of money on a piece that they don't like the following year.

 

2. Pair trendy items with classic pieces. In this outfit I wore basic jeans, a striped T (that I wear to death), and a classic black bag. Classic pieces are a better bang for your buck as you will wear them over and over again, season to season.

How do you wear trends?