Sequins All Day Long

Ok so does it not look like this entire outfit is from J.Crew? That is what I like to do. Put together J.Crew-ish/designer-esque looks on reasonable budgets. And yes, one, albeit the main piece in this outfit is in fact from J.Crew. But sneakerpants here actually got it from Savers thrift store for like $10! I definitely support investing here and there. Sometimes the cheap-chic stores simply can't get you a trend when you want it, or don't have that long-lasting quality like a pair of Sperrys or J-brand denim. And sometimes it's ok to simply treat yourself to a Kate Spade bag. Right? Ok I'm personally not actually there yet, but someday maybs. But for most of my closet, I like to try to find reasonably-priced alternatives to that jaw-droppingly awesome shirt. 

trench :: f21 || shop similar---> mega splurge, splurge, save, steal

jeans :: f21 || shop similar---> mega splurge, splurge, save, steal

heels :: elle for kohls || shop similar---> mega splurge, splurge, save, steal clutch :: thrifted || shop similar---> splurge, steal necklace :: charlotte russe || shop similar---> steal sequin tank :: J.Crew via Savers thrift store in Columbia Heights (PLUS mention Ruby Girl for a 10% discount!) || shop similar---> steal bracelets :: J.Crew, Target, c/o Oia Jules

Drool-worthy Jewelry :: Fragments

Fragments Jewelry is a gallery of galleries for jewelry connoisseurs. There is a carefully curated selection of fine and fashion jewelry. Fragments is known in Soho and beyond for discovering some of today's most celebrated designers. If you are willing and able to invest, you will most certainly come away with some heirloom-type treasures. This haven for fine jewelry may become a therapeutic oasis for me. Such pretty sparkling things. And pieces that are just so darn unique, with artistic silhouettes.
Always with a flare for the dramatic, I was most drawn to designers Anton Heunis and Elizabeth Cole. I feel a sort of kindred spirits connection with Elizabeth because she listed buttered popcorn as her guilty pleasure. Eliabeth's pieces are stand-outs. Most of her pieces are full of color, and the ones that aren't are full of sparkle. So duh I'm into her, right? Anoton's jewelry is similarly bold in shape and color. His pieces are trend-right and innovative. Many of his pieces are more pastel in hue.
As I shopped Fragments, the jewelry items above were some of my favorites. Aren't they beautiful? Check out the gallery and tell me what some of your favorites are! Is there a designer that caught your eye? You can also keep up with them via Twitter & Facebook 
*This is a sponsored post, but all words and opinions are 100% my own.

Celebrations

So my sister graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Woohoo! Crazy to think that we are both alumni of the same school now. Gotta love. What comes with graduation day? Graduation pics, duh! ;-) And I was so proud to snag a section of the inside of this building for decent graduation photos! It was raining outside, so we had to forgo the outdoor shots. I spotted this window from our seats far away. We left a tad before they finished reading the names and as we made our way over, we snuck behind a table that was no longer being used. It was the perfect little blockade to give us our own personal U of M backdrop. So I busted out my Samsung Galaxy. Thanks to the crazy zoom (that seems to work in reverse, zooming out as well as in), we didn't need a whole lot of space for good solid shots. Of course, I asked Patrick to take a few shots in between grad pics for the blog. Amazing how it barely phases me to pose for these as hundreds of people walk past.

dress: urbanog || shop similar---> splurge, save, steal

necklace: jcpenney || shop similar---> splurge, splurge, save

heels: zara || shop similar---> mega splurge, splurge, steal 

bag: c/o maurices

bangle: c/o purple paparazzi

disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Style Voices program and have been provided with a wireless device and sixth months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.

Accessories Picks :: All Under $50!

  I came across these beauties at Shoedazzle. All under $50! Loved these classic chic pieces. They were some of my favorites. Those black strappy heels are way gorgeous! I'd love to see them with cuffed denim or a brightly colored dress. Have you guys visited Shoedazzle before? You just take this quiz and get a personalized showroom of shoes, bags, and jewelry that are just your taste. You should totally check it out. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!
*this is a sponsored post, but all opinions are 100% my own.

Verdant Vibrance

This green lace dress is one of those perfect-for-any-occasion types. Especially in summer. Hello. Bridal/baby showers, picnics, day dates... I don't do a whole lot of neutrals and love playing around with colors and textures so having this pretty little thing hanging in my closet will make for a lot of fun looks. This time I splashed in the bold coral and worked with the blue that was already accenting the dress.

Dress: c/o August Wrinkle

nude heels: steve madden via nordstrom rack || shop similar here ---> save

pink cross-body satchel: forever 21 || shop similar here ---> mega splurge, splurge, steal

statement necklace: c/o cheerfully charmed

You've heard me talk about Lily & Violet before (I've styled their tulle skirt & cropped jacket). It's an online ladies fashion boutique, that just opened a shop in Minneapolis. Well last week, I attended the Grand Opening preview event. I got to meet the Lily & Violet ladies, some lovelies from Style-Architects, as well as my friend Chelsea & new friend Katie.

The Go-For-It Print

I think I have this innate urge to pop yellow into every possible outfit. Grammy would be proud. I've become aware of it so I now have to quell it for the sake of variety. Do you think favorite colors could be genetic? Cause Grammy certainly passed hers onto me. Now onto the print of this shirtdress... I am a very picky print person, but when I see something I like, I go for it! This dress was even easier to "go for" since it's from a thrift store. No joke! And the brand is Charter Club. A little unexpected, right? Which leads me to a fun shopping tip. So you know those sections in department stores that you walk past because you think they clothing styles are too mature? Venture in. You may just find a Jones New York shirt or Charter Club pants that totally reflect your style. And it's doubly fun because no one else your age shops those sections, so your pieces end up being super unique. 

dress :: charter club via savers || shop similar---> splurge, save, steal

clutch :: savers || shop similar---> splurge, save

wedges :: charlotte russe || shop similar---> splurge, save

hat :: wet seal || shop similar---> steal

Summer Wedding Style Guide

As soon as the temp hits 65 in Minnesota, the wedding bells start ringing off the hook. I love it! Weddings are the best. A whole day devoted to celebrating a couple and their love. I'm a total sap when it comes to that. Always a great time to catch up with friends and family, as well as bust a few new dorky moves on the dance floor. I'm really quite good at that part. But there's always the challenge of dressing for a wedding. So I came up with a little inspiration for you as you're thinking about the weddings you'll be attending this summer! Let's start with the lady of the day, the...

 

wedding dress :: vera wang for david's bridal

clutch :: etsy

earrings :: etsy

pearl necklace :: etsy

yellow heels :: macys

And every bride has her troupe of lovely ladies, who hopefully get to wear dresses they try to not tailor so they can return them afterwards. Unfortunately, I was not in the business of appeasing this for my girls. I had mine in light blue taffeta. But in my defense, there were two separate times that people wore them or that they were borrowed for other formal occasions. Score! In this day and age of endless supplies of dress stores online, and such fun styles and colors accessible to us, brides have this new opportunity to actually get dresses that can be worn again! And why not play up the accessories, with big statements of color and fashion-forwardness.

lace dress :: anthropologie

bracelets :: 1, 2, 3

necklace :: modcloth

clutch :: aldo

mint heels :: dsw

And the guest gets the most fun and freedom of dress of all. With only one color out of the runnings, there are loads of bright and bold hues to choose from. And that is usually the direction I tend to go. This nautical dress has one of my favorite color combos. One rule I always abide by... comfortable shoes! Wedges are always a good comfy-cute compromise.

striped dress :: tailor & stylist

bangles :: 1, 2, 3

tan espadrilles :: bon ton

jade purse :: melie bianco on amazon

Happy wedding hopping & shopping!