Spring Style

I learned a few things about myself in the past couple of days.

1: Polyvore is the BEST way to procrastinate ever. I had two 6 page papers due yesterday and today, and I took several errr... breaks- if you will- experimenting with Polyvore and making inspiration boards.

2: I am terrible when it comes to stepping out of my comfort zone regarding fashion. As you'll see in this post, almost all of my boards have some type of stripe, navy, black, mint/aqua, and lots and lots of matching. I've just never been good at not color-coordinating.

But anyways, now that Spring is hopefully here to stay (just watch I'll jinx it), I've been brainstorming lots of outfits for inspiration. I hope you find some inspiration too!

Hello Saturday errands. That's all I can think about with this board. Comfy loafers, a flowy skirt, and a nice big purse to carry all the essentials. Comfortable and effortless.

 

I think this board would be a perfect travel outfit. I hate putting hats in my suitcase because they get all squished, so I usually end up wearing one on the plane. I love that bracelet, and the cheetah print that combines with an otherwise pastel color combo.

 

Can we just examine the shoes here? Woah baby woah baby. I honestly don't think I could ever wear either of them, but I love how they dress up this outfit, that would be perfect for a night on the town. AND THAT BLAZER.

 

I love the look of floral prints with fun stripes this season. And though I'm still not a huge fan of the neon fad, these bright pops of color brighten up any outfit where black is a main focus.

 

I honestly can't think of an outfit that is more me than this one. I love the classic shape of the dress (in my favorite color pink!), dressed up with girly heels, sparkles, and classic pearls. I would wear this outfit to any and every wedding. Anyone want to buy it for me? Didn't think so.

 

This might be my favorite inspiration board yet. Honestly, when I found that shirt (10 euros online!) I bought it. I just straight up bought that shirt from the UK. I DON'T DO THAT EVER. It was a well-worth-it impulse buy. But let's be real, what don't you love about this outfit? It has everything great for spring. Stripes, peplum, bright lips, a cognac bag, kelly green, bright pants, loafers, patent leather, a white watch, and a statement necklace. okay yes.

 

I created this outfit as a wear to work sort of outfit. Since I'll be starting my internship (!) this spring, I really am in desperate need of some sophisticated work clothes. These would fit a very expensive bill.

 

I love this outfit for a hot summer day. The bright summer colors scream, "take me to the beach!" And I am lusting over that comfy looking button down. White oxfords for the win.

 

Sometimes I wish I was a city girl. Just sometimes so I could wear outfits like these. And who's with me that they want a burberry trench someday? I'll be saving my pennies till I'm 40 so I can get one.

 

 I based this outfit around the striped dress, which I love. I love how the blazer makes it so feminine, and already owning these shoes, I know you can wear them with just about anything.

 

And almost last but not least, a preppy number for a rainy spring day. Because who doesn't love pink hunters?

 

Okay last one I promise. I love the tribal look this year, and am a personal huge fan of teal and orange.

 

To find out where each specific item is from/how much it costs, visit my polyvore profile HERE.

A Shoe Dilemma: Dissolved

Remember that time I was good at blogging consistently? Yeah me neither.

But. Remember that time I was obsessed with shoes and have way too expensive taste? Yeah so do I.

So here's the deal. As spring and summer (in the very very verrrryyy far off distance) closely approach us here, my thoughts are solely on vacation. And shoes. For some reason, why spring wish-list is comprised of mostly shoes (among a few other things)! I've always been a shoe girl, but it's gone a little overboard in both ridiculousness and price.

I simply just can't afford to buy a million pairs of expensive shoes. Because let's face it, I might not be a starving student, but I'm still a student. And we need to save our pennies. I don't go shopping too often, but when I do, I try to make sure I bargain hunt first and foremost. I won't buy something pricey unless I'll wear it forever and I've had my eye on it for a while.

I'm not much of an impulse buyer.

So, I've been doing a lot of research on shoes. How can I get the shoes that I want, for a much smaller price that is affordable?

And no, I didn't go about stealing shoes.

So, here's what I did. I found shoes similar to the over-priced pairs that I wanted, and now I have my full spring shoe wardrobe all set and ready, but without breaking the bank!

Let's have a look:

The Classic Nude Wedge:

A whopping $228 at J.Crew (found here), I seriously debated buying them, until my mother talked some sense into me.

Then I found these beauties: practically the same shoe, except they were $190 cheaper. YEP. 

found here.

They are seriously comfy and match anything. Probably my favorite pair of the lot.

The Patent Neon Flat:

Honestly, I just really wanted a shoe that had a little neon in it, and this pair from Old Navy did the trick. The picture doesn't do it justice, but they are very very bright yellow. I'm not a big neon person and I'm not sure how I feel about the fad, so finding these for a gem of a price was perfect. Found here.

 Since navy is one of my favorite colors, I've been died when I saw THESE navy wedges from J.Crew. They are literally perfect for summer, with the fact that they can be dressed up or down.

I found this pair at target for $140 cheaper, I snatched them up quickly, since they're not online.

Helllooooo summer paradise.

Black Cap-Toe Flats:

I've been seeing these everywhere, for a lot of money at places like J.Crew, the Gap, and Nordstrom. They're perfect for an evening out, and are classic. I feel like I could wear these for years. I found these at TJ Maxx for $25. Yes please. 

And last but not least, the loafer. People are saying they're the new classic footwear that will last forever, but sometimes I think they look like bedroom slippers. However, they're growing on me. But not enough to spend $150 (found here). I found these loafers below for $7 at target on clearance, just my size. Similar found here.

The lesson learned? You don't have to spend a fortune to buy your wish-list of shoes. With a little diligence, you can find ones that won't break your bank!

Happy Tuesday by the way.
What's on your spring wish list?
And what are your perfect summer shoes?

Day 13: A Valentine's Day Outfit

Call me crazy, but I've worn this sweater three days in a row now. I decided to take a break for today, but I can't help thinking that I'll probably wear it AGAIN on Valentine's Day.

I'm a freak.

As much as I love a good pencil skirt, there's something about a fuller skirt that I just adore. Maybe it's because it adds a girlier feel to an outfit, or that it can dress up an outfit without looking too formal. Either way, between the sweater and one of my favorite skirts (I've had it since I was 17), my new shoes and a fun pair of tights, I'm ready for love day.

And I'm also ready to start blogging about real life things again too! As much fun as these last two weeks have been (for me at least), a lot has happened and I want to share it all with you! 

So starting Wednesday, I'll be back to blogging about our V-Day festivities, my birthday plans, a trip to a tree, the superbowl, and all the other craziness that has been our life in the first two weeks of February. 

 

I'm a big fan of mismatching pinks. I thought this belt (a $3 find at F21 mind you) added a brighter touch to an otherwise neutral outfit.

Resorting back to taking photos in the comfort and warmth of our home. And I can't wait until we get our own furniture when we move in July. No more purple couches!

On my wish list all Winter, I finally cracked and bought these shoes on sale at Nordstrom (found here) the other week. I want to wear them everywhere. They have a nice chunky heel, so I never feel off balance or too high off the ground.

Target/DIY sweater, Ralph Lauren button down, DownEast skirt, Gap tights, Sam Edelman heels, Forever 21 necklace and belt, Fossil watch

Day 12: DIY J.Crew Heart Sweater

I saved one of the the best crafts for last. Well not last, but close to the end of the 14 Days of Valentine's. 

Remember this sweater?

That one from J.Crew that was totally perfect, but also totally out of my price range?

Well, the other day, I added up the amount of money it would cost me to buy everything at J.Crew that I currently want.

The price was scary (like over $1,000 scary), and unrealistic.

But if I even want to come close to buying just a few of those items that I want (not $1000 worth I promise you that), I figured I'd better start saving now, and DIYing a few more things.

I got the idea to make my own J.Crew heart sweater from Sarah, who made her own after being in a situation similar to mine: we both didn't want to pay $90 for a sweater we could make ourselves!

So with the help of my darling friend Eliza, two camel colored clearance sweaters from Target and some black felt, we made a darling sweater that can be worn all winter long (not just for Valentine's Day). 

DIY J.Crew Heart Sweater:

 What you'll need:

One sweater (We bought ours here for $12 each), We used a camel color, but J.Crew did camel with a black heart, red with a pink heart, and navy with a green heart.

A large sheet of felt (we did black)

Black thread

Pins

Scissors

Cut out a large heart to fit your sweater by folding your felt in half, and drawing a one-sided heart in order to make it even. Cut out the heart, unfold, and pin onto your sweater.

 

The next step is a no brainer. Sew your heart onto your sweater! You could hand stitch or use your sewing machine. We used a sewing machine to save time. 

Cut off your extra threads...

And there you have it! A perfectly darling J.Crew replica made for about $15. The savings? Close to $75. Plus, they are all sold out online (I'm pretty sure they're not making it anymore). 

 

You could wear this sweater all fall and winter. Seriously though I'm obsessed with it. 

Outfit post with it coming tomorrow! 

The Shop

Okay so here goes nothing! I feel really silly doing this but hopefully this will get rid of some of the clothes in my closet and help to let me organize a little bit better. :) 

So here's how it will work:

If you're interested in any of these items, please email me at HAYLEY.DICKENS@GMAIL.COM (if you comment on this post I can't guarantee you'll get an item of clothing if someone emails me about the same item). If you are local (in Provo, Springville, or Orem), you won't be charged for shipping, and hopefully we can work it out where I can just bring the clothes to you. 

If you're not local, the prices listed below don't include shipping (but it will only be about $2-3 extra). Please email me and we can work out payment and shipping details!

Happy shopping! 

Target spring jacket, size S: $15

Target jersey knit dress (knee length), size M: $12

SOLD

 Forever 21 swiss dot dress (hits mid thigh), size S: $10

Downeast Outfitters jersey knit dress (knee length), size S: $12

Ralph Lauren pink striped button down, size 6: $15

SOLD

Ralph Lauren navy striped polo, size S: $12

SOLD 

Forever 21 purple long-sleeved tee, size S: $5

Gap Chambray button down, size M: $8

SOLD 

Ralph Lauren grey chambray button down, size M: $12

Macy's winter top, size S: $5

Banana Republic top, plum, size M: $8

Tommy Hilfiger floral blouse, size M: $15

Ralph Lauren aqua striped oxford button down, size 2: $15

SOLD

American Eagle shimmer sweater, grey, size XS: $10

Gap wool boyfriend sweater, black, size M (fits loosely): $15

Gap gray grosgrain ribbon front tee, size M: $8

SOLD

Nordstrom Rack 3/4 length sleeve ruffle cardigan, light gray, size S (but fits very loosely): $10

SOLD

Banana Republic rust extra-soft tank, size S (fits loosely): $5

SOLD

American Eagle brown checkered blouse, size 4: $10

Old Navy brown stretch cardigan, size XS (but stretches a lot): $5

New York & Company black wool ruffle cardigan with rhinestone buttons, size S: $10

American Eagle tartan plaid blouse, size 2: $12

Gap flannel plaid ruffle tunic, size XS (but fits very loosely): $15

SOLD

Aeropostale checkered ruffle blouse, size M: $5

Ralph Lauren striped v-neck sweater, red & navy, size L: $15

Banana Republic peach stretch tee, size S: $5

American Eagle checkered button down tunic, size 6: $10

Gap button down tuxedo shirt, white and cream, size M: $12

Volcom crochet cream hoodie, size M: $12

H&M lace high neck blouse, cream, size 4: $8

J.Crew watercolor pencil skirt, pink, mustard, gold, cream, size 6: $30

SOLD

Land's End white pencil skirt, size 6: $20

Ralph Lauren white cardigan, size XS: $10