Leopard and Stripes (Outfit Under $150)

Upon the purchase of the striped top last week, I had one outfit immediately come to mind that I knew I wanted to try -- pairing it with the leopard pencil skirt.

I think this outfit will definitely be among my all time favorites. And I apologize for the abundance of photos today. Normally I consider lots of photos a weakness, as it means I was unable to edit and choose the two or three that really portray the outfit and mood well.

Today the weather was simply gorgeous and I could have spent the whole day outside. So as a result I took about a hundred photos and just liked so many!

This look really speaks to my fashion evolution over the past few years. I'm doing things I never thought I would. Big horizontal stripes, mixing patterns, a pencil skirt, a hat, 4" heels!!!

The Rundown

Striped Top Old Navy $11 - Leopard Pencil Skirt Forever 21 $20 - Turquoise Gerry Sandals Frye $44 - Sunnies Aldo $8 - Fedora Market in Italy €15 - Quilted Cross Body Bag Thrifted $4 - Braided Leather Belt Thrifted $1 - Gold Watch and Bangles The Cavernous Jewelry Box Gift

My total = $103

Since I love this look so much, I thought I would put it together for you, and I kept it under $150. My goal was $100, but it's not easy to do nine pieces for under $100 AND nothing is from Forever 21. That was my goal, since F21 often becomes a cop-out with these.

Leopard Pencil Skirt - $25.28 (Orig. $50.55) ASOS
Striped Boat Neck Top - $12.50 (Orig. $14.50) Old Navy
Braided Leather Belt - $14.40 (Orig. $24) Kohls
Quilted Cross Body Bag - $25.28 ASOS
Grey Fedora - $10 (Orig. $28) Urban Outfitters
Sunnies - $7 (Orig. $14) Urban Outfitters
Gold Watch - $12 (Orig. $20) Kohls
Gold Bangles - $8 Old Navy
Blue "Ira" Platform Sandals - $24.38 (Orig $89) Nine West

Total = $139.84


One more thing worth mentioning, I went into the thrift store yesterday and there on the shelf, as if they were waiting for me, a set of vintage Pyrex mixing bowls!!
There were two big yellow ones and no small red one, but that is okay. They were only $28!!

And just as soon as I pulled them off the shelf a woman came up to me and said "OH, are you buying those?" I excitedly replied yes, and then she said "I was just coming over here to look at them, how much are they?" I awkwardly replied "$28" and told her about the $65 set I'd seen at the Antiques fair. It was really uncomfortable since I knew she wanted them and was probably thinking "some dumb kid is buying my bowls!"

But how could she know that I was in fact the person who had intended on them being there for me?

For she who likes to match - Outfit Under $100

I know there are a lot of gals who like the colors of their shoes and accessories to match the colors in their clothes perfectly. The girls who don't like to mix metallics, and even the girls who don't care for gold, this look is for you:

Simply Vera Splatter Dress, $29 (on sale) at Kohl's
Textured Bangle Set, $6.80 at Forever 21
Madden Girl Korral Platform Sandal, $45 at Amazon
Fresh Blue Zip Front Chain Handle Wristlet, $10 (on sale) at Express
Threaded Tear Drop Earrings, $3.80 at Forever 21

Total = $94.60

The purchases (and an outfit almost under $100)

Ohhh so many of you were good guessers!!
Ali, Mochachocolata Rita, WildBirdVintage, and Alli (One Pearl Button) you have guessed both tops correctly!

And there was a resounding love of the striped top in general -- So you know I looked long and hard across the internet to find it for you, but alas, I could not. The brand is Loveappela and I can't even find a website for this label.

Now, funny thing about the striped top, the neckline was a bit... gaping. I mean, lean over and it was free show. I was putting together my outfit for today last night when I decided I needed some Starbucks, so I went there wearing the top and I ordered my usual tall iced coffee with vanilla, but the barrista (the kind of cute one with the faux mo-hawk) said there was no more iced coffee, but he'd make me an iced ameriacano, for free.

Now... did the gaping top have anything to do with this? Perhaps....?

Anyway, I went home and realized if I was going to wear it to work, then I'd have to do something about it, so I shortened the straps an inch and now there is still something left to the imagination.

This is not my ideal look for this top. But it was a grey, rainy day, and I was in a cold, cold office.

My ideal look, is such:

Best stripey stand in I could find,
Randi Striped Racerback, Delia's, $24.50
White skinny jeans, Delia's, $15.00
Bright yellow Liliana Sandal, Amazon, $33
Straw fedora, NY&Co., $15
Gold sliced leather bracelet, Etsy, $15 (I literally just bought this 10 minutes ago, so it's out of stock, sorry!)

At $102.50, I almost made it under $100

And for the floral

I have been wearing so much yellow lately -- these cords have gotten so much love, I never knew I was a yellow pants person before they came in to my closet.

Stripey rundown

Striped top TJMaxx - Grey cords J.Crew - Grey wrap cardi Avon - Bronze wedges Unlisted - Red medallion Gift - Pearl studs Avon

Floral rundown

Floral top TJMaxx - Mustard cords Gap - Black blazer Kohl's - Black sandals Onex - Earrings Thrifted

Outfit Under $100 Stripes and Polka Dots

The weather is finally getting warm enough that tight wearing is becoming unnecessary, but before retiring them for the summer months, I simply had to pair my dot tights with my striped mini skirt.

Everything else is pretty neutral, to let the patterns have their due, and the addition of the yellow scarf was important because I do love color, and it is spring after all!

Weird side bar - when I was leaving work for the day and walking to the car, someone drove by me and shouted "You are beautiful - want a ride?!" And yes, it was a creepy person. So I said nothing and got into the car as quickly as possible.

Striped Mini skirt - NY&Co. $16.47
Black Blazer - Old Navy $40
Black Cammi - Forever 21 $2.50
Yellow Scarf - Scarf World $8.35
Black T-Straps - Amazon $20 (or $30, depending on size)
Dot Tights - Ebay $6.75 (These have been at both F21 and H&M, but you know I can't find them online there...)

Total: $94.07 (or $104.07)

I've haven't been doing very many outfits under $100 -- which is something I had originally wanted to do regularly - at least monthly!

What do you think - Do you like them? Should I get on the ball and start doing them more often?

Party Outfit Under $100

Today was my little sister's 16th birthday party. I think her birthdays make me feel older than my own do!! Though I love having an occasion to get dressed up for, and it's always wonderful to have a house full of family, friends, and delicious food, no matter how many years have gone by.

I got the 'Leader of the Rack' dress from Avon a few months ago and this is my first time wearing it. I love the print, the pockets, and the length; though I'm not crazy about the poly-satin material.
I loved how the buckle on my cinch belt perfectly mimicked the pattern of the dress.
The birdcage pumps also made their debut - four inch heels are necessity when mingling with both my little sister and my sister-in-law to be, who tower over my 5' 2" frame.

Plus, I put together this outfit for under $100!

Leader of the Rack dress, Avon - $30
Demode Pump, Nine West - $50 (I got my Jessica Simpson Birdcage pumps from TJMaxx for $50, but since they are $80 on Amazon, I had to choose a similar pair for $50.)
Fringe Necklace, Forever 21 - $10.80 (Mine is from the Gap, and was only $10 at the time, but now it's only available in gold and is $25)
Sparkle Ring, Forever 21 - $6.80
Cinch Belt, Forever 21 - $5.80
Black Tights, Khol's - $5

Total = $98.40

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend!

Leopard Skirt

Today was a very lazy Sunday. It was spent on the couch watching movies, catching up on blogs, and taking some photos for the Flickr MacroMondays group. It's 11:30 pm and every time I look at Chloe I swear she is giving me the stink-eye because I didn't take her for a walk today.

So yesterday, when I wore something I'd care to share; I pulled my leopard print skirt out of my closet. Since it's acquisition last April, I only wore it once and when I saw Eyeliah's leopard print style challenge, I got the inspiration I needed!

I also just received my little camera necklace I got from Etsy and was anxious to incorporate it into an outfit.

I had thought I could also make this an Outfit Under $100 post - but I failed by $17.60! Sorry :(

Leopard print skirt - Urban Outfitters (the one I originally wanted, now on sale) - $30
Dolman sleeve sweater - Elle for Khol's (also on sale) - $25
Side Fringe Boot - Qupid (at Amazon) - $35
Camera Necklace - Etsy - $10
Silver cuff bracelet - Forever 21 - $5.80
Tear drop earrings - Forever 21 - $7.80
Black tights - Khol's (on sale) - $5

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

New Years Eve for Under $100

While browsing Express.com's extra 20% off clearance, I spotted this slinky silver dress and felt inspired to put together a new years eve look.

Items in this set: 
Express Cake Foil Dress, $24
Forever 21 Black Ruffle Cardigan, $23
Women's Mossimo® Vida Peep-Toe Pumps - Zebra : Target, $20
Plastic Chain Necklace, $13
Metallic Glitter Tights, $7.80
Studded Vinyl Belt, $6.80
Spiral Zipper Ring, $3.80

Total: $98.40

(on a completely random note, why can't I ever seem to make my polyvore sets fill the whole space? Is there some secret trick I don't know about?)

Black Lace and White Ruffles

Today was my work Christmas party, and I was excited to wear my white tiered ruffle top. I decided to keep it very simple and paired it with a black lace skirt, a black cardigan, and my red pumps. For accessories I wore two necklaces, the pre-strung pearls I made into a necklace and a small gold bow with a single rhinestone in the center.

My efforts of course went unnoticed by my coworkers (most of whom were wearing jeans and sneakers) - but just because I work in the the worlds most causal office, doesn't mean I shouldn't always dress my best.

I also am proud to say that this outfit cost under $100, and I put together a polyvore set to that effect. The only item on it which is exactly what I'm wearing is the lace skirt, but all the others are very similar.

Items in this set:
Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Cardigan w/ Pockets - Ebony : Target, $13
Lace Contrast Skirt, $13
Quintessence 8mm 30" Faux Pearl Rope Necklace - Necklaces, $12.60
Rhinestone Ribbon Bow Necklace, $3.80
New York & Company - Tiered Cami, $35
Amazon.com: Not Rated Women's Glitter Me Pump: Shoes, $23

$78? Naw, I like $3.26 better.

I received an email from Kohls with a $10 Kohl's Cash coupon in it. (I would post it here for everyone, but it was exclusive to my local Kohl's).

I know this ploy. Offer me free money so that I will go into the store and spend more money than I normally would, just because I know I'm getting the $10 off.

Well, Kohl's, you don't know who you're dealing with. I found this cute dress by Simply Vera on the clearance rack. Originally $78 (ummm, it's made of polyester, what is so $78 about that?) marked down to $15.60. I had a 15% off coupon, plus the $10 - bringing my total to a nice $3.26. Can't beat that.
Now onto important matters, like the shoes, tights, cardigan, and jewelry to wear with it!
Shoes - Mia Davis T-Strap - Endless, $38.47
Tights - Mesh Dot - Urban Outfitters, $14.00
Cardigan - Textured Stripe Sweater - Charlotte Russe, $21.99
Bangle - Peacock - Forever 21, $5.80

Brown and Grey for a Summer Day: This Outfit for Under $100

When I post my Under $100 Outfits, I'm always comprising them of things I actually own, and for the most part, have not just gone out and purchased. So I then set about the task of tracking down similar items, because if you can't actually make the outfit, then it's just a big tease - kind of like when you open a magazine and see something you LOVE, only to discover it's $400 and that even if it did go on sale, you'd still never spend that much.

That's what spurred the creation of this outfit anyway.

White Top $20 at Khols
Grey Skirt $15.80 at Forever 21
Belt $10 at Khols
Shoes $40 at Amazon
Bangles $7.80 at Forever 21

Total: $93.60 (but that doesn't factor in any shipping costs, so.....)

Sookie Stackhouse's Travel Outfit: The Floral Cardigan

Last night's episode of True Blood was full of some pretty great moments, and if you are not watching it, you should be. Really, the show is awesome.

But as for the clothing aspect of the show, for Sookie's trip to Texas, she skipped off her private plane looking like she'd hopped off the pages of a J. Crew catalog, in a pale yellow pleated skirt, white pumps, and a brown and yellow floral cardigan.

Sadly, I could not find a floral cardigan at J. Crew that was still in stock (there were at least two good ones that were not), and after checking all the usual places, the best I could find was the floral cardigan at the Gap for $24.99.


As for the other pieces, Forever 21 has an almost perfect pleated skirt for $15.80
At Etsy, this one seller has several adorable butterfly necklaces, all under $15, and I can't pick just one. (not to mention the 20 million other butterfly necklaces on Etsy, good luck making a decision!)
For the shoes, I think these satin open toe pumps are super girly and cute - not quite like Sookie's simple white pumps, but I tend to gravitate towards shoes that are anything but plain.
To tie in the brown in the cardigan, Sookie has a brown flower clip in her hair, another item to be found in abundance at Etsy, or Forever 21. I chose one from Forever, because how do you beat $2.50?
She also has the teensist bit of a white lacy cami peaking out from under her cardigan, and I would once again go with the truly cheapest one out there, $5.80 at Forever 21.

"I've always loved these [tiny bottles of alcohol], they're like booze for dolls."

This Outfit for Under $100

Here is a really put together layered look I tried out this weekend. I feel that the one item that really pulls it all together is the red bow belt (Khols $12), worn on the natural waist. It gives a nice silhouette to the otherwise slouchy pieces.

I Started with this short sleeved Gathered neckline top, in blue (Gap $17.99). I actually found mine in more of a teal in the store, and for less. Sale prices are almost always better in the store, so it's worth it to go look if you can. Over that I put a nice Slouchy chocolate brown cashmere blend cardigan (Forever 21 $29.80).
Since this a casual look, dark wash wide leg jeans, (Old Navy $14.99), and then my standby cold weather shoe, a brown pointy toed boot by Rampage (Amazon $19.98)

And that brings us to $94.76! To this ensemble I also added my fab feathered headband, which generated plenty of positive comments though out the day.

Trendy Fall Outfit for Under $100

...and I don't mean each piece individually, I mean all together.


This outfit is somewhat of a conglomeration of many fall trends - perhaps its a bit much for the one outfit, but after flipping through the fashion section of my sisters Cosimo Girl, I feel like my outfit could be on one of those models.

The focal point of the outfit is the vest. Found at TjMaxx for a mere $30, this deep blue corduroy, fur trimmed vest was love at first sight. It's by Atelier and had an original price of $198.

The super thin jersey knit hoodie by BCBGirls (I know, I know, I shouldn't still be shopping in Juniors, but sometimes I can't help it!) was also purchased at TjMaxx for $15.

Dark Wash Skinny Jeans by So from Khols, on clearance for $12.

Gray Slouchy Boots by Candies form Khols, on sale for $40.

From Cosmo Girl's October 2008 Issue

Get This Look for Less. Much Less.

I like shopbop.com. I think it's a great site with some fantastic features and a great selection. Ahh, if only I could afford it! But I can try.

I like this look because it has that 'I'm not trying to look fabulous' vibe about it. Sock with sandals, slouchy sweater, large fabric bag. Then again, perhaps it comes off as trying too hard.... none the less, I like it, so I've done a bit of searching and found a few less costly alternatives.

The Slouchy Sweater - This one is from Khols, on sale for $16.80

The Embellished Top - Another from Khols - I'm not in love with this one, ($24.99 from their Elle line) it could work, but I'll continue to look.

The Black Leather Skirt - From Newport News and on sale for $27.99

The Black Sandals - These I chose because I already have them, and I must say Onex makes some very comfortable heels.

The Fabric Bag - There were two bags I liked from Urban Outfitters, one a tapestry tote, the other, a floral with leather straps. $48 and $58.