swings and misses, volume 1

I used to consider myself a professional online shopper. Picture Russel Crowe in a beautiful mind scribbling furiously all over the chalkboard – that was akin to my level of research before purchasing something online. I would meticulously look for reviews and be sure anything I bought online I could return in store.  Somehow I lost my way. I’ve been trying to be more mindful of spending (grad school isn’t going to pay for itself) so I’ve been shopping a whole lot less. I guess online shopping is like a well-toned muscle; if you don’t use it, you lose it! I picked up a few things from Old Navy, Loft, and ASOS and almost completely struck out. I thought I would start a series around here to let you know of some shopping successes and failures. 

The success list is short for April. I bought these shoes from Old Navy and am in love. They are super comfortable, easy to walk in, and I can easily wear them to work or on the weekends. I saw them in store for $10 this weekend and almost purchased a second pair for when I inevitably run my current pair into the ground.  The only downfall is they take a few wears to break in but despite, I highly highly recommend them!

So without further ado, my swings and misses for April 2016:

• Old Navy Pleated Trapeze Dress: It must be the bride in me but I've been really drawn to white dresses lately. This dress from Old Navy should have fit the bill but the fit was so off. I tried on my normal size at Old Navy (a medium) and the top was way too lose. The proportions were way off. The bottom half of the dress was flowy but given the structure of the top half I expected it to be more fitted. 
• Old Navy White Denim Overalls: I wanted to love these so bad but again, the proportions were way off. The legs were snug and the top was huge! I'm pear shaped so that fit is not out of the ordinary for me but the disparity between the top and bottom was unordinary. The bottoms felt slim fit and the top felt like boyfriend or relaxed fit.
• Old Navy Eyelit Midi Dress: This dress had the same problem as the first in that it was boxy and wide on top but fitted everywhere else. It is also an awkward length -- its not chic midi, its more church midi.
• Loft Medallion Wrap Skirt: I really liked the fit, style, and material of this skirt but the print i person was a bit too juvinille for my taste. The fit is flattering for you pear ladies and the material is thick and comfortable. It is pretty highwaisted so keep that in mind if you pick it up.
• ASOS Off Shoulder Mini Dress: This is an almost miss because I obviously kept it. It is humongous. I had to size down two sizes! I returned the first dress I bought and honestly might have returned the second if it didn't entail mailing it back to ASOS. This dress is really comofrtable but size down at least two sizes if you buy it.
• Loft Geo Riviera Cropped Pants: Man, patterned pants are not flattering on my body. If I had any doubts, these pants confirmed it for me!

dresses for springtime (under $100!)

Wedding

Way-In | Asos | Loft | Ann Taylor | ASTR 

Work

French Connection | ASOS | ASOS | Ann Taylor | WHBM |

Brunch

ASOS | Trixxi | ASOS | Missguided | Glamorous

I don't know about you but I feel much more comfortable dressing for colder weather than in the spring and summertime. It is probably because I grew up in weather that was permanently 55 degrees so it was all layers, all day,  all year. Don't get me wrong, I love the warm weather but I'm still doing some finessing when it comes to my personal warm weather style. 

We have limited closet space in our apartment so I can only hang one or two seasons worth of clothing at a time and pack the others -- an experience probably very familiar to other city dwellers. When I unpacked my spring and summer clothes a few weekends ago, I wasn't very inspired. I try to only have a closet full of my favorite things (it makes getting dressed in the morning all the more exciting) so I ended up pitching a bunch of last years warm weather purchases. My closet is pretty bare which means it is time to do a little shopping. I'm happy to have a good excuse :)

I'm loving hues of pink for spring especially blushes and dusty roses. I'm also really loving off the shoulder looks and this ASOS dress comes in three colors. It not unreasonable to expect I may buy all three.

What trends are you drawn to this spring?

save or splurge: chloe "isa" wedge

CHLOE or PAYLESS

Heyo! How early is too early to start thinking of spring? Ordinarily I would say one week after a winter blizzard is too early but since it was a sunny 55 degrees this weekend and the sun is out in full force today I would say now is as appropriate as ever. And according to Punxsutawney Phil, spring is coming early this year! Pay no attention to the melting snow on the ground…

Okay, groan all you want about how frustrating it is that stores put out all their spring lines now when all you really need is a good coat to get you through February. This is why it is excellent – a) all the winter gear you need is on sale and b) you can take your time sifting through trends to figure out what you really want for spring!

On my spring wishlist is a good pair of espadrille wedges. I just haven’t been able to find a pair I love in the past so I’m starting my search early this year. Enter this beautiful pair made by Chloe. Exit the $600+ pricetag.

So it’s only natural that I used this pair as a jumping off point to see if I could find anything similar and lo and behold, I found this pair from Payless of all places. Sure, I love the suede, stitching and bigger platform of the Chloe wedge but do you know what else I love? An extra $610 in my pocket. 

10 blanket scarves for fall

Basic bitches rejoice! Blanket scarf season is rapidly approaching (its not here yet though -- don't get it twisted, it's still 70 degrees in DC) and the trend is going no where.

In the past few years, betchy fashionistas had to wait patiently for Zara to restock their signature scarves which would sell out almost instantaneously leaving us to cry into our pumpkin spiced lattes. This year, retailers all over are trying to capitalize on the trend and this MBA student knows a high demand, high supply product leads to low costs in a competitive marketplace . I think....econ wasn't my best class..

Regardless of which economic principle is at play here, there are plenty of scarves for you to get your hands on this year.  I've rounded up 10 of my favorites under $40 below.

Happy shopping!

four one piece swimsuit trends

{ click on the + to shop each suit }

Since DC has skipped spring and gone straight to summer, its about time I start thinking about pool season. And bathing suit season. And regretting all those happy hours I went to rather than working out. Thank goodness one-piece swimsuits are on trend this season.

I'm pretty curvy so I am so appreciative to have so many one-piece swimsuit options this season. I was able to snag this one from the Lilly x Target collab and love the fun print but am looking for a few solid color options to hold me over like this hot pink one or a classic all black style.

Loft also has a fantastic swim selection this year. And of course, they're having a 40% off sale right now. Check 'em out.

the look for less: banded sandals

{ Click on the + to shop the sandals }

I came across these sandals from J.Crew and fell in love. They are simple, easy, and come in a variety of neutrals a.k.a. they are perfect for spring. Though they are on sale now ( 25% off with the code LOTSTOSHOP), I (correctly) assumed I could find a similar banded sandal that was a little more wallet friendly. This pair from Old Navy is a pretty suitable alternative coming in a few different colors. I'll stick to the brown (neutrals all day errryday) but they're a pretty good alternative if you like a little pop of color in your spring sandals.

I'm also loving the banded sandals from Loft and Steve Madden with the metallic band. The metallic bands adds a nice little flair, don't you think?

save or splurge: espadrille flats

Tory Burch || Target

As we enter our 213941408 day in a row of arctic temperatures (okay fine, 4th) I can't help but daydream of spring. My mind has been wandering to pool days, baseball games, cut off shorts, cold beers and warmer weather. I can practically feel the warm weather from here! Nope, thats just my space heater. I'm still wearing 18 layers and can't feel my face. 

I've been loading up my virtual shopping carts and have been keeping an eye on espadrille flats since they're both chic and comfortable. You know, comfy chic is kind of of my jam. I'm not a huge Tory Burch girl and I'm definitely not a spend $135 on summer flats girl but I do love these cap toe espadrille flats and know they would quickly become a wardrobe workhorse. Leave it to my trusty Target to already have a budget friendly look alike.

currently crushing it: old navy

I considered adding DOWNSIZE to my words of resolution I shared on Tuesday. For me, downsizing means a few different things. It means downsizing my closet to be more streamlined; it means downsizing the number of work commitments so I can better my work/life balance; and it also means downsize that waistline.

Last winter, I started running pretty regularly and, surprisingly, loved it. Running was an outlet for anxiety (while probably not the healthiest advice, stress running is the best) and my waistline reaped the benefits. Since moving in with Aaron, I’ve gained a bit of relationship pudge. You know… just a little extra squish from sharing meals with a meat and potato boy with the metabolism of a 4 year old. I’m not bitter or anything.

It’s cliché but the best way, for me, to get back into the routine at the gym is to feel great in new workout clothes which can be an expensive motivational habit to form. Enter: OLD NAVY. They are crushing the activewear game this season and right now, it is all 40% off. 

And while you’re in there.... pick up this sweater too. Isn’t it great?

five things im loving

1. beaded clutch | 2. lip gloss | 3. pom pom hat | 4, candle | 5. rings

Hello! How was your weekend?

My weekend was lovely. It was low key yet productive. I was able to spend some quality time with some girlfriends over brunch, Aaron and I's relationship survived another trip to Ikea and I did some general catching up around the house. I find that these quiet weekends running errands and getting organized make me feel far more relaxed (and content) than weekends of nothing. Does that make me a real adult? The jury's still out on that one.

I started a little closet purge this weekend and I say little because I really mean only putting aside 3 or 4 things. It feels a bit more like de-cluttering than purging but it felt great none the less. I feel like I'm removing the "noise" from my closet. Does's that make any sense at all? I find (as evident by the 5 things above) that I'm leaning towards simplistic and soft things. Probably in an effort to be cozy all.the.time. Because 100% cozy 100% of the time would be living the dream, folks.

get on my feet!

Have you checked out the shoe section at Target recently? No, really. Have you looked online at their selection? It is on point this season (ha, see what I did there). They have so many stylish, high quality (hello genuine leather!) and won't break the bank options right now. And is that not the holy trinity of shoe selections? These chain moto boots? Kinda cool, right? And if thigh high is your thing, you're not going to find a better pair for less than $70 than these guys. And if you're in need of a desk to drinks bootie (aren't we all) this pair with a gold zipper is calling your name. Clearly, I had a hard time narrowing down my favorites. And I mayyy or may not have ordered those Frye knockoffs....

Boots (from left to right)
one | two  | three | four
Booties
one | two | three | four
Pumps
one | two | three | four

----------
And if flats, J.Crew, and bows are your thing....

....in black and nude!

save or splurge: volumizing hair powder

Psssst Volumuzing Powder - $6.99 vs Big Sexy Hair - $16.95

You know what they say, the higher the hair the closer to God. If that’s true, I’m doomed. My fine hair falls flat so quickly that I’m always on the hunt for a new volumizing anything just to be saved. (Kidding, this good Catholic girl knows I need to go to church for that.)

After reading great reviews about Big Sexy Hair Powder Play, I figured I would give it a shot despite its $16.95 price tag*. It is pretty darn good; a little sticky but long lasting and easy to use. I wasn’t in lurve but it did the trick. Fast forward a few months to a recent trip to NY when I was at a Duane Reade (the best drug store on earth) for Swedish fish and an US Weekly to read on the train, naturally. I found this Psssst Volumizing Powder for $6.99. Psssst is hands down the best drug store dry shampoo and assumed (rightly so) their volumizing powder was no different. The powder is so light you can hardly feel it and it is so easy to use. Just sprinkle a bit out on your hands and run your hands through your roots. If you need extra umph, like on day 2 without washing, sprinkle it directly on your roots. It’s not as long lasting as the Big Sexy Hair alternative but it’s so light you can carry it with you in your purse for touch ups if need be. The only downside is that it’s not readily available at local drugstores. Thank goodness for online shopping :)


*Don’t want to pay 16.95? Check out your local TJ Maxx or Nordstrom Rack— the sometimes carry the Big Sexy Hair line at a discounted price.

currently coveting: kristin cavallari 'copertina' pump

Copertina Pump - 129.95

When I moved, I did a closet assessment (and consequential purge) and made a list of closet voids I’d like to fill in the next few months. Number one on that list is a great pair of black pumps.  I just ddidn'tlove the pair I had so they sat in the back of my closet collecting dust which meant they went straight to the re-sell pile when I was packing. And while I ddidn'tthink of them often when I had them, I now find myself thinking “well if only I had that pair of black heels…” Isn't that always how it works when you closet purge? I should keep everything from now on. Or is that the budding hoarder in my talking? Either way, I need new black shoes which led me into a blackhole of shoe shopping.

I've come out alive with this pair of Kristin Cavallari pumps headed my way in 4-7 business days. Check out some of the other options I considered below.

the nordstrom anniversary sale-- under $150!

one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight 

Ah, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale-- where savings accounts go to die. I've been under a rock for a week or so thanks to work and have been seriously lagging on checking out the sale. I did a bit of perusing the preview but other than that, I didn't bite. Until now.

My tips for shopping the sale? Shop online. By now, the store has been combed through and is likely pretty disorganized. Take your time and shop online. With free shipping, free returns and free in-store pick up, you can't go wrong. Don't be shortsighted. It's hard to think about wearing anything over the knee or oversized during the middle of summer but the real deals during the sale are for fall. Grab that leather jacket or cashmere sweater now because I promise you when you really want it in October, it's not going to be priced anywhere near what it is now. Buy investment pieces. If you've been lusting over that designer bag or can't bring yourself to pay $200+ for jeans, now is the time to do it. Pricey staples are steeply discounted during the sale so take advantage. Don't forget about makeup. Most make up brands have palettes, sets or brushes exclusive to the sale. It's a great time to test out a new-to-you line.

The sale ends August 4th! Check out some more of my suggestions by clicking the shop tab above!

What advice do you have for shopping the sale??

currently coveting: handbags for work

Ivanka Trump // Ivanka Trump // Zara

Daniella Nicole // Express // H&M

H&M // Zara // Zara

I love my new job, don't get me wrong, but I am in meetings A LOT. Some days when 5:00 rolls around, I don't actually feel like I did anything. Instead, I feel like I just talk about doing things but relationship management is a huge part of the role so it is to be expected. I've been shuffling all over campus for meetings with colleagues so at any given time I have four pens, two notebooks, three half scribbled on meeting agendas and receipts for coffee crumpled at the bottom of my purse. I'll soon be traveling through out the northeast for strategy meetings and it is definitely time for some structure in both organization and purse design. As such, I've been on the hunt for a purse that was not only structured and big enough to carry meeting materials but also work appropriate. I love my longchamp bag but a bag that doubles as a gym or overnight bag just wasn't going to cut it anymore. Oh and of course I didn't want to spend more than $100. Because its me.

So I did some perusing around the interwebz and planned to head over to my local Zara to get this bag. Until Kate Spade had their surprise sale and my $100 budget went out the window when I got this bag in tan (now sold out). I only went slightly over budget but over budget none the less. I also had to talk myself out of getting this clutch too. I mean, isn't it adorable? A bit unpractical but I kinda love it.

Shop the sale to find a great work handbag! Or not and check out some of my suggestions above!

currently coveting: foldover clutches

Banana Republic // Oasis // Franchi

Oasis // Loft // Banana Republic

I used to not trust myself with clutches thinking that I would surely lose them or leave them behind in a cab/bar/anywhere. But come on and grow up Peter Pan-- this girl has got to be responsible enough NOT to lose her purse! I am putting full faith in myself to not lose my purse and entering the world of responsibility and clutch shopping. Doubtful I'll pull the trigger on a Clare Vivier anytime soon because I don't trust myself that much so I'll be taking some under $100 baby steps to get my feet wet.

Side note: I did actually lose my wallet last week and a Good Samaritan found it running, found me on Facebook and Linkedin, emailed me to tell me had found it and then came to me to drop it off since I had a work event all day. He told me where he had found it and it was right outside of my house.... smooth move, Nicole. Anywho, just a story to share that good people still exist, people!

currently coveting: printed crop pants

ASOS / Banana Republic / Gap / Free People / ASOS / Old Navy

Have you seen the Old Navy commercial with Amy Poheler? I hope this goes without saying but please don't wear pixie pants and a cotton t-shirt to any interview for a corporate job you're hoping to land. Just don't. Amy was right about one thing though- those pants are seriously cute. And as temperatures slowly warm up and spring inches closer, they make for a perfect and figure flattering transition pant. 

Want to rock printed pants in the office? Pair darker prints with heels and something structured (preferably with a collar) on top to make the look office appropriate. Planning on wearing them on the weekend? Try pairing with a low wedge or cutout sandal and your favorite chambray to be dressed down but still polished. Have a little more to contain below the belt? I feel ya girl. Avoid big prints and lean towards darker colors. This pair from the Gap, while darker, will still totally work for spring. 

What do you think? I find cropped pants to be universally figure flattering so long as they are structured and not so tight they look like leggings. We all know how I feel about leggings as pants....

Happy hump day, amigas!

xo Nicole

the look for less: strappy sandals

Pour la Victorie /  Zara / Target /

Last spring I shared with you a few strappy heel options after the Zara and Steve Madden options took the blogosphere by storm. I wasn't completely sold that I needed nude heels but since then there have been countless times where nude strappy sandals would have completed an outfit. What was I thinking!? Luckily for me - because apparently lightening does strike twice - I have a few budget friendly options to check out this season. Oh and there is a Zara located dangeously conveniently close to my office. It's almost as if the unvierse is begging me to grab a pair before it's too late. I will NOT be missing out on the strappy nude sandal trend again this year!

the look for less: dainty necklaces

Stella & Dot On the Mark necklace / World Market Arrow Pendant necklace

Stella & Dot Together Forever necklace / World Market Gold Double Ring Pendant necklace

I have a fantastic Stella & Dot stylist, Christine, who is so fun to shop with and has converted me to a serious Stella & Dot lover. Some people groan that Stella & Dot is overpriced for what it is but the key is to find the sterling silver or 14k gold jewelry and to shop for timeless classic pieces rather than trendy options. My favorites from Stella & Dot are always the dainty and delicate necklaces because you really can't go wrong with a piece you can wear everyday. If you're new to delicate necklaces or not sure it suits you (I'm guessing it probably does though) you can find a much more budget friendly option at your local World Market. I've also seen some BaubleBar lookalikes at World Market too so don't overlook their jewelry section as you beeline to the candy and wine sections. Oh wait, that's only me? #sorryimnotsorry

currently coveting: midi skirts from asos

cut out / full / peplum hem / 

pleated / ponte / pocket

I've always loved how flirty and feminine midi skirts are but right now I'm especially drawn to them because of how transitional they are too! With the sun shining here in DC (still cold but at least its sunny!) I've been thinking about transition pieces for winter to spring and midi skirts are at the top of my wishlist. While I want to be adventurous with a hot pink full skirt, I'll probably ease into the [new to me] trend with the black ponte option since it's a safe bet for the workplace too. Aaaand then shortly there after, dive in with the pink full skirt. Who are we kidding ;)

Hope you had a good long weekend!

xo

peep toe booties....at every price point

Dune London/Steve Madden/Target

So funny story: a few weeks ago, my roommate asked me what I thought of these shoes in blue. I thought they were cool but a brown shoe was more my style. She can pull off blue, I can't! I also told her I might wait until Target has their own version because it seems Target frequently has Steve Madden dupes. And we both giggled....because we know its true.

Welp, fast forward three weeks and here we are- peep toe booties at a range of price points! I still prefer the cognac color but the blue also comes at a few different price points. I see these shoes as shoes I would get a lot of use out of so I don't mind paying a bit more but if you don't plan to live in them this spring/summer, go for the Target option. I find their shoes pretty comfortable and certainly affordable!