Banana Republic & Issa London Collaboration!

If you are anything like me you love all things Kate {pre-baby, baby bump, and even more post-baby}.

The designer who dressed fashion icon Kate Middleton for her engagement announcement will be launching a limited edition clothing line , available exclusively at Banana Republic. The collection, which includes dutchess worthy prints, colors, and flattering patterns will be available at BR stores worldwide starting August 8, 2013.  Prices are affordable, ranging from $69.50 - $150.00.

Here is a sneak peak of what is to come!

Fun 4th Fashion

Fun 4th fashion fit "4" any patriotic picnic or BBQ!

American Flag Infinity Scarf :$15.60

American Flag Top : $33.94

American Flag Dress: $115

American Flag Shades: $5.80

American Flag Shorts: $31.90

The Look For Less: Ikat Tote

I was in Payless on my lunch break, fashionista style. and came across this fabulous look for less, Ikat tote! BONUS, they are having a BOGO special!

Splurge-Stella & Dot:  $89

 

Steal-Payless:$24.99

On Trend: Aztec Arm Stack

 

 A few of my favorites, at different price points, to start your stacking!

 

  

Madewell: $15

 

Madewell: $12

 

The Trend Boutique: $79

 

Ettika: $45

Splurge vs. Save: Eyelet Dress

I stumbled into Old Navy on my lunch break and found a save version of the Anthropologie Sunstream Eyelet Dress. Very similar, at a fraction of the price! Perfect for the spring days ahead.. if we ever see them here this year! Brrr it is an all time April low of 41º here in Charlotte today!

Comes in six fun bold colors! 

 

Women's Mixed-Eyelet Dresses: $34.94

 

Sunstream Eyelet Dress: $128.00

On Trend: Ombre Shorts

Pinterest Inspired

 

JCP: $25

Forever 21: $19.80

Get The Look: Olivia Palermo

Animal Print Shorts

 

Fashion advice from Olivia: "Pull an outfit together and give it that personal touch with accessories. So, whether it’s a shoe or a bag of some sort, it can be anything. My style is classic with a bit of an edge to it."

Splurge: TOPSHOP

 

Steal: Forever 21

Derek Lam for Kohl's

Kohl's is bringing on their 2nd official designer collab, Derek Lam, in the DesigNation program. The program is built around various designers bringing in a different international locale to their clothing line. Lam's line is inspired by Rio de Janeiro, a place near and dear to my heart from my study abroad experience in Brazil.

Here is a sneak peak at a few of my favorite pieces hitting the racks on April 5th:

                                                            View the full collection!

Crazy For Crochet

Found this perfect crochet sweater at Old Navy today, only $25! Perfect to wear with your favorite neon denims or printed pants.

 

Took me awhile to warm up to crochet and not think Hacky Sacks, but seeing crochet in all different forms has really got me lovin' it this spring!

A few more affordable favorites...

 

Forever 21: $22.80

 

ASOS: $53.41

Celebs in this style: Kelly Ripa crocheted out

Oh So Mono!

Black and white monochrome prints are in! From bold patterns to stripes & polka dots, the opposites attract and are sure to grab attention.  It's a bold, yet chic and classic look.  Best of all, it is simple to do. If you walk into your closet you most likely have a few B&W pieces, in some shape or form, hanging right there in front of you.

A few of my favorite & affordable mono looks are below. {Forever21, H&M, ZARA, & ASOS }

Go Mono!

 

ASOS:  $22

 

H&M: $20

 

Forever21: $18

 

ZARA: $90

 

Forever21: $20

Pinterest: Get The Look

Charlotte weather is crazy this time of year! It snowed last weekend and the forecast is calling for 60's and sunny for the upcoming weekend.  I'm not sure if I should bring out my dresses or put on a sweater. This Pinterest inspired outfit is perfect to transition between the highs and lows of the spring season. Pick out your favorite maxi dress, throw over or button up a sweater/cardi, and add a belt and/or scarf to spice it up! 

If the temp drops or heats up, you are prepared to adapt and still look fab!

 

Get the look:

 

Maxi Dress: ASOS ($25)

Cardi: Forever 21 ($17)

Belt: Old Navy ($9)

An Old Favorite...Closet Cleaning

Posting some of my favorites from the old blog-new stuff coming soon!

Closet Cleansing:

Here are a few helpful tips to get started/maintain a healthy closet:

(and finding a few more outfits along the way!)

1. Take it all out, sort by type and donate all old clothing

2. Designate a spot for everything - shoes, shirts, sweaters, etc.

3. Buy organizers to help maximize space and visibility such as stacking hangers, belt
racks, etc. (Ikea and The Container Store have a great selection)

4. For each item you buy, one goes out. This will help the hoarder in us all.
(dedicate a few minutes a week to this, and putting lost items back where they belong)

5. Repeat!

Now go buy something- you deserve it!

Making A Comeback!

I have been out of the blog world for so long that my previous blog, The Style Files, will no longer accept posts from me...

I took it as a sign to start fresh, and will be continuing my posts on deals & steals, closet consulting adventures, and all things fashion moving forward!

Last weekend I had a blast getting back into the swing of things with my first appointment since last summer.  Here I am buried deep in the best type of work... clothes & accessories!

 

And a favorite quote to leave my first back in action post with....

  Looking forward to speaking through style again!