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. 

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.

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.

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

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!

save or splurge: crisscross ankle strap booties

Rag & Bone//Forever 21//dv by dolce vita//target

Booties anyone? I have a major lust for all things Rag and Bone but my wallet forces this to be a lust affair and not a real life affair. Luckily, ankle wrapped booties are all over the place making my heart (and my wallet) very content. I love the higher heel on the Forever 21 alternative to dress things up a bit. Perfect for a weekend dinner date during the fall.  This pair and this pair also make good alternatives.

Hope you had a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

xo

save or splurge: chunky heel pumps for fall

Coach/ Target

I picked up these chunky heeled pumps from Target a few weeks ago and first shared how I wore the red pair with my favorite boyfriend jeans. They are comfy enough to wear all day at work or for play and the red is a much richer red than pictured online. They have quickly become of my favorite pairs of shoes for work. Not surprisingly, Target mimicked another designer with these shoes (isn't practically every shoe at target is a Steve Madden or DV dupe?!) but if you're looking for a more cost effective option for these Coach beauts, check out the Target version. I promise you the red looks much better in person :) Oh and the leopard print ones? The best. And you best believe I picked up a pair of those too!

weekly roundup -labor day sales

via

Thinking of shopping this weekend? Be sure to check out some of these sales and some of my favorite deals (scroll over the item to see the link).The key is to really be on the look out for transition pieces. Don't get caught up in summer pieces at hugely discounted prices - you won't get much more use out of them and I can almost guarantee next summer, when you can wear them, you'll have a 100 new things in stores you'll want instead.

25% off sale items at Stella and Dot - I'm a huge fan of this necklace, this ring, and this adorable bangle

Get an extra 30% off at Madewell with the code BYESUMMER. These pants, this dress and this little peplum top could easily make the transition to fall.

Up to 40% off selected styles at the Gap- these camo pants are on sale if that's your thing (I can't get on board with that trend but if you can pull 'em off, more power to ya!). A great sheath dress on sale is a must buy -you'll get use of this all year long. And I'm thiiiiiiiiis close to breaking my spending freeze to pick up this dress to rock with booties until its cold enough to wear tights and riding boots.

30% off at Old Navy with the code spree (35% off if you use your Old Navy/Gap/BR Card)- stock up on chambrays at reduced prices because that trends not going anywhere. Love this dress for work in the fall and this bag is a great alternative to my madewell favorite.

40% off your purchase at Banana Republic with the code BRweekend (grab that blazer you've been lusting over!) If you need a suit for work, now is the time. I wear this blazer regularly for work and play and this striped one is great.

40-50% off almost everything online and in stores at J. Crew Factory- these pants are a staple in my office, I'm a sucked for anything with hearts, and this will make a great layering piece!

50% off select items at Loft and an extra 50% off at Sale items- if you've been waiting to jump on this jump suit trend (see what I did there) buy it at a sale price here. Wear this skirt, these pants and layer with this shirt for fall in the office.

linking up with Style Elixir today!

save or splurge: leopard foldover clutch

clare vivier// forever21// mimic design //gap

So to be truthful, I don't know how I feel about the leopard foldover clutch trend. Let me explain: I see them on blogs, think they are fantastic and when I see Victoria rocking hers out, I'm just convinced I need one and would use it daily. Then I remember, I need a caryall for many reasons (one being to defend my personal space on the Metro during my morning commute). So a foldover clutch mayyyyy not be too practical for my every day life. And while I may be able to justify pricer purchases as birthday presents to myself, I think I have to wait until next year to use that excuse again. So my solution? Find one at a lower price point to internally compromise. I'm still on my 30 day shopping freeze so I'll have to wait a few more weeks before snagging my favorite alternative- the Gap clutch.

moto jackets for fall

Aeropostale $48.00 //Topshop -$85.00 //Urban Philosophy $53.00//Dorothy Perkins $89.00

One of my favorite transition pieces for fall is a leather jacket. Truthfully, if DC weather allowed, I would rock it year round. Inspired by this jacket (wayyyy beyond my price range), I've been seeing quilted moto jackets pop up all over the place. And a wide range of price points makes it a must have for anyone. I love the quilted detailing as a little surprise texture and it makes this seasons moto jacket a little different from your trusty moto jacket (I hope) you already have in your closet anxiously waiting to make this fall's debut. Totally a summer to fall (and fall to winter!) transition essential. I think my favorite is the Dorothy Perkins option in the bottom left corner. Whats yours?

splurge or save: summer accessories edition

Sunnies: Karen Walker vs Anthropologie 

Panama Hat: J. Crew vs H&M

Gladiator Sandals: Loft vs Target

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July! I'm enjoying a day off but to those of you back at work today, hang in there!

I love everything about summer, including new accessories and have been slowly but surely adding new favorites to my closet. My golden rule is if its trendy, dont splurge on it. But I'm stuck here because these trends I've been seeing all summer don't seem too be too trendy and actually seem pretty verstaile. So is that just an excuse to splurge on anything? Heck no, because I'm also an obsessive compulsive deal shopper. So finding more affordable options to my summer must haves was just thrilling! Okay, thrilling is a bit of an exaggeration but I think you know what I mean. I love finding a good deal! (I also had a bowl of Trix for breakfast so I'm on a major sugur high.)

I recently picked up those Anthro sunnies and I'm in LURVE. They are my new go to and my favorite Ray-Bans should probably get comfy at the bottom of my purse. Truthfully, I'm a bit of a sunglasses snob and usually go fo higher end sunglasses. I'm of the mind set that if I spent good money on sunglasses, I'm going to take extra good care of them whereas with cheaper sunglasses that I care less about I always lose or step on them. (I might be the only one that steps on sunglasses..) I debated about these Karen Walker sunnies for awhile and when I saw the Anthropologie pair it felt like a good compromise. So here's to hoping I dont lose these! They keep selling out fast so if you want 'em, don't wait! They seriously go with everything!