Mod Mom Style

On the weekends, I like to get dressed up when I take the boys out. It's not much of a departure from what I do during the workweek, but since there haven't been nights out away from the boys, I try to always put my best stylish self together for days I spend taking the boys somewhere. And in this outfit, I really think I look like a vintage mom. Very Leave It To Beaver June Cleaver Style. 

Which leads me to my first true relatable fashion post! Remember how I told you I was rebranding the blog, and would be sharing my style trials on pairing high-end with the economical? This outfit is a perfect example!

Economical

Since I was able to squeeze in another dress day, I wore this adorable Peter Pan collared dress I scored at Forever 21 for around $17. Some of my bangles are from Alex and Ani, and some, I found at a thrift store and paid no more than $5 for two vintage goldtone bracelets. And I ain't mad at it. Love a bargain.

High-End

I consider two of the other things I'm wearing high-end. 

First, my heels are from Banana Republic. No joke, I bought them during someone's wedding in New York. After the ceremony, my dogs were killing me and I had to get the shoes I add on off - immediately. Listen, a shopper is never not in shopping mode. Twenty minutes later, I scored these lovies. They have a gold bar on the inside of the heel, which gives the shoes a refined look. They were $110, and are about two years old.

But the piece I spent the most on was this gorgeous Tory Burch Fleming Bag. When I went back to work last month, I was promoted, and to reward myself for my new position, I figured I'd buy the bag I'd been stalking on Instagram for, like, ever. Best of all - I didn't pay full retail price for this bag. In fact, I got it for 70% off, plus an extra 10% at Saks - which added up to at least $125 less than full price. My secret - sign up for the mailing list, then keep an eye on multiple websites for sales. For a Tory Burch bag that is relatively new, I think I seriously scored.

It's gorgeous. It's quilted. It's timeless. And it is THE bag. Like, the bag you buy that you won't take certain places because you don't want it to come in contact with other people... Yeah, that bag. 

Hard work pays off... especially when shopping for a bargain!

Outfit:

Daisy Print Peter Pan Collar Dress - Forever 21 / Black Pumps - Banana Republic

 / Tory Burch Fleming Bag / Alex and Ani Bracelets /

Shop the Look

Basics On A Budget: Styling A Basic Tee with Statement Necklaces

J.Crew vintage t shirt / Mango leather necklace / Accessorize neon statement necklace / Wallis triangle necklace / ModCloth Bead chain necklace  / River Island gemstone jewelry


While I wouldn't say I'm a simple girl, I find versatility in simple style. In the summer, I live for a comfortable tee to pair with skirts, shorts and jeans. Of course, investing in key summer wardrobe staples like t-shirts in every color can be done on a budget. I like to shop at J Crew and Gap outlet stores, where I normally find t-shirts for $9.99.

However, you can take a plain t-shirt and play it up with the any extravagant statement necklace no matter what the occasion. I like to pair a black v-neck tee with an over-the-top necklace for nights out and dinner dates... or even to work. Sure, you're spending a little more on jewelry, but for sparklers like this, they're worth it.

Chilly Chic

I do this thing every year... where the weather turns cold, and I feel like I have to go shopping because I have a momentary lapse of judgement and feel as though I hate my clothes... when it's really the in between weather I despise.

Outfit Details:

Tippi Striped Crewneck Sweater - J.Crew

High Waist Pencil Skirt - Lulus.com (similar skirt here)

Black Ankle Booties - Zara (similar shoes here)

Rhinestone Bib Necklace - Charlotte Russe (similar necklace here)

Arm Party details:

Pink& Gold Chain Link Bangles (came as a set) - Forever 21

Gold Brass Bangle - J.Crew

Black Rhinestone Bangle - C. Wonder

I'm gunna be honest: I hate being cold, and I'm constantly freezing. While I love wearing skirts, I really have to force myself to do so when October hits. The day I took these photos it wasn't too bad. Shivering and teeth chattering is NOT a good look, and I suffer from both in the fall and winter months. 

When I put this outfit together, I had two ideas in mind: First, that I wear something that keeps me warm - a la the longer pencil skirt and this pink striped crewneck Tippi sweater which is my very first J. Crew clothing purchase. And second - that it fits my fall wardrobe criteria of being colorful, but functional.

If I'm gunna be cold, as least I can try to look cool doing so. Freezing is the new black.... or something of the sort.