Basic Shirts for Less Than a Footlong

For the past couple of weeks I’ve taken a break from the blog to recover from birthing a life into the world (I think that warrants a break, don’t you?) and to get in the swing of motherhood. It’s all been amazing and I’ll share the story in a later blog.

I will say that my love capacity has increased beyond what I thought possible, and I never thought I could stare at any one human face for so long without getting tired of it. I just moved my laptop over so that his little handsome baby face is in my line of vision so I could look from him to the screen without much effort. Let’s just say it’s going to take a while to get this blog typed out ;)

Now that I’m starting to get around and out more often, I’ve been focusing on items that I can wear comfortably and will make a quick, cute outfit. I’m certain these will be my goals for a large part of my motherhood and not just during the recovery period, so it’s a good thing I start thinking in this mode now.

I’m always up for a good clothing challenge, so this only excites me!

What I’ve found really helps are cheap t-shirts. I bought three at $5 each recently and they’ve been great for throwing together outfits that I can be comfortable in and yet feel put together.

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These pictured are from Forever21 and ring in a little over $5 at $5.90, but it’s still cheaper than a footlong at Subway now as I think they’ve reached a full $6. So cheaper than lunch!

In fact, Forever21 has a great collection of basics for cheapity-cheap. Get in there and see what you can find. Even if you wear it twice, it’s a great cost-per-wear deal.

You can wear these with your complete jean collection and pair them with fancy sandals or cute sneakers. Add a long gold necklace to any of them or go with a multi-colored statement necklace to help make them look different. They’re perfect for running around in.

And if they stretch out too much, get sauce on them from your Subway footlong or become an emergency burp cloth, you’re only out $5! Or, $5.90. Close enough ;)

 

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The Season’s Most Popular Pattern: Floral

This is me making a strong effort to introduce a new pattern to my closet. I can’t preach things like, “break out of your box, and try wearing something new!” if I don’t practice it myself.

What better pattern to do that with this spring than floral? I mean, really…even the weeds that spring up flowers look amazing. I think we can pull this off.

I’ve told you before, I’m not very girly when it comes to my style of dress. The only thing in my closet with a bow on it was bought for a Halloween costume. So going with a print this frilly and girly is definitely stepping out of my style zone. However, it can be easily pattern mixed with stripes (of which I have a-plenty), paired with edgier pieces giving you a perfectly balanced look, or patterned in such as way that it doesn’t look overly girly (as in the dress pictured below from New York & Co.)

What’s great about this pattern is it introduces so many color options into your look, so floral can easily become a neutral. I think a pair of floral pumps or flats like I’ve got in the collage would be great because they’d add a pop of pattern and color to the most basic outfits.

Take a look at the options below (all found at stores in West Town Mall) and go with as little or as much floral as your little heart desires!

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1. American Eagle glasses case.

2. Altar’d State floral scarf.

3. Forever 21 floral print top.

4. JCP floral pumps

5. JCP floral flats

6. Altar’d State earrings.

7. American Eagle floral shades.

8. New York & Co. floral geo print sheath dress.

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Graphic Sweaters You’ll Actually Like

Out shopping a couple weeks ago, I kept coming across graphic sweaters with the most random objects on them.

There was one knit sweater that just had a picture of a pear. A pear. I feel as if I would have to be knee-deep in the pear business or at least have eaten a pair in the last 15 years for it to warrant space on my clothing.

That’s why I decided to seek out some cute graphic sweaters that not only make sense, but could be worn without eliciting confused looks from those around you.

All of these, by the way, can be found at West Town Mall!

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1. A great way to ease into the graphic trend is with this bubble print sweater from The Limited. It’s a fun fresh take on polka dots, and the darker sleeves will help disguise larger arms for a truly flattering look.

2. JCP got into the graphic game with this happy orange and white print. Buying sweaters like this is such a smart thing to do this time of year as they’ll keep you warm in the cold, and have you looking bright and attractive as spring approaches.

3. The Limited does such a great job of turning up the volume on classic pieces. This graphic bow sweater is a perfect way to go if you’re a bow-lover. You get to sport a girly look without the hassle of keeping the bow tied or fluffed up.

4. Anyone else think of ice cream when they read this “a la mode” phrase? Banana Republic has us craving sweets with this equal parts fun and sophisticated piece. It’s just enough text to give the sweater a great look, without being too overdone. This would look so chic under a blazer.

5. Never let it be said that I’ll shy away from letting my clothes do the complimenting for me. I love a good brag sweater (as long as the brag doesn’t make me sound like a floozy). This sweater pretty much spells it all out, pick up your own at Forever21 and rock it with confidence – there’s no other way to wear something like this.

6. I threw in one more Forever21 graphic option just for fun. Since I’m pregnant with a boy I thought this one would be funny to wear once I started showing. Of course I’m certain people would still ask what I was having in which case I would just point to the sweater. Boom. Other than that I’m not sure why you would want a sweater with just the word “boy” on it, but to each his own.

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Valentine’s Day Goodies Under $22

I’m going to get right down to it and say what everyone’s thinking… Yeah, these things are nice to have, but who wants to spend a lot of money on something like this?

That’s why I tracked down some options that are pretty but won’t break the bank (they’ll barely break a twenty).

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First up we’ve got this cute little lace number from Dillard’s. Last time I checked they were coming off a really, really great semi-annual sale. So you may be able to scoop up some deals if they still have sale items out. And even if they don’t this lacy top is only $11, while the skirted bottoms are $14.

GAP is where this hot and juicy red set is from. The panties are only $8 while the bra rings in at $21. The nice thing about buying a special set like this is not only will your underwear and bra actually match, but you’ll be able to get some everyday use out of your purchases.

Lastly this happy little negligee is from Forever21. They’ve really got a great selection of items over there, all at (surprise) really affordable Forever21 prices. Go check them out and grab this baby doll slip for only $16.80.

There you go. My work here is done, the rest is up to you :)

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Also, before you go running to see Filthy Fifty Shades of Gray, read this.

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What to Wear When Shopping Black Friday

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(This street though. Thanks Asheville, for letting me pose on it again :)

Every year I’ve got to get me a little dose of Black Friday. One crowd, one line, witnessing one fight or two and I’m happy to go back to the house and be done with it.

Whether I actually score a good deal or not remains to be seen. But I do leave the house fully prepared to find something for others and myself. Which is why I always plan my shopping outfit in advance.

You should do the same, and here’s my formula for a good one…

Start with good shoes. For this outfit especially you want to begin with comfortable shoes. Pick out your most comfortable (and a little bit cute) and go from there. These boots are comfortable and provide a little bit of warmth. Plus they allow me to wear big cozy socks which always makes life easier. These boots are from ModCloth (similar here).

Then I go with comfortable pants. My favorite skinny jeans that make my butt look good aren’t in the running here. I go for pants with good pockets and a loose waist band like these cargo pants I snagged at TJ Maxx a couple years ago (similar here).

For tops I always stick to a basic tank and a waterfall sweater. The sweater keeps me warm as I won’t be lugging around a coat, but it’s not something I’m going to have to keep pulling over my head when trying things on. I stick to a basic tank like a black one because I wear it under most shirts anyways, so when I’m trying them on I don’t have to take it off and can easily see what a sheer shirt will look like.

This waterfall sweater is from Forever21 (here).

Finally, I always ALWAYS go with a messenger bag. I love my Michael Kors, but it is heavy and I love having both arms free. I got this one for $5. You practically trip over them in most stores these days.

Go out with your own version of this outfit, and I promise you you’ll be a cute, happy, comfortable power shopper. Tune into FOX 43 tomorrow between 8:30/8:45am for gift ideas for the guys in your life!

Speaking of power shopping, you’ve got to watch this SNL spoof of a Black Friday commercial. It’s a little bit funny… ;)

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