J.Crew Chic...on a Budget

It has been over two months since I last blogged. And to be completely honest, I miss it. A lot. So I think it's time that I get back to regular blogging. In order to do so, the focus around here is going to have to change a bit. Because I don't have a regular photographer and really hate posting poor quality mirror photos, outfit posts will be less frequent. But no worries, posts will still be plenty and fashion will still be the main focus. So consider this my official notice: I'm getting back in the game!

Here's a little something that has been inspring me lately. This image brings together two of my favorite things: fall clothes and J.Crew. The J.Crew catalog is a constant source of inspiration for me, but it usually has to end there. As a recent graduate, I can rarely afford to actually buy the clothing featured. So here is my take on how to be "J.Crew Chic" on a budget:

 

  via

Complete Outfit= $1,114

Turtleneck (Forever 21), Jeggings (Express), Military Jacket (Old Navy), Booties (DSW)

Complete Outfit= $152

Essentially the same outfit, for a tiny fraction of the cost. These boots, especially, are at the top of my fall wishlist. What is inspiring you for the upcoming season?

Day 8: Dreaming of Fall

What I'm wearing: Gap tee, Old Navy vest, J.Crew Minnie pants, Target sandals, Vintage necklace, Urban Outfitters earrings, Nails: OPI Pamplona Purple+ Sally Hansen Xtreme Rockstar Pink

So I'm officially about a week behind on posting pictures. Work has gotten CRAZY lately since we are currently understaffed. I'm lucky if I get home by 8 or 9 every night. So lets just say Ohio is starting to look a little more inviting every day. I've been dreaming of getting back to school, of crisp Fall weather, pumpkin cappuccinos, football games, and cozy sweaters. I can't wait to style this vest up like this or with a sweater and boots as soon as Fall is here. Until then, it's proving to be a great summer layering piece...I've already worn it twice so far in my 30 for 30 and have to actively remind myself not to wear it every day, that's how much I love it!

Purple and Polka Dots

What I'm wearing: J.Crew cardigan (gift), Old Navy polka dot shirt, Gap Always Skinny jeans, Ciao Bella boots, Forever 21 scarf, Pink Box earrings

Today I woke up and really wanted to wear this Old Navy top I got a few weeks ago. It was a steal at only $5! Since its black (like everything else I've worn this week), I decided I needed to add this cardigan for some color. The top is a little bit low cut, so I added the scarf to make it a little less scandalous and a more winter appropriate. I honestly don't even know if these two shades of purple go together, but I just went with it anyways and pretended I knew what I was doing. I can't wait to wear this shirt on its own come summer; it has adorable ruffles that are hidden by the cardigan. Okay, well I'm running late to the gym, so I'm keeping it short. Get excited...it's almost the weekend!

Day 11- Black Friday Fanatic

I am EXHAUSTED. That's what Black Friday will do to you. I've been up since 2:30 AM, but it was so worth it! It has become a tradition that every Black Friday my mom and I go shopping before the sun comes up, even if there aren't any "big" items that we are looking for. We hit Target first (3 AM!) and then Old Navy and the mall. And of course, we stopped for breakfast and coffee in between.

What I'm wearing: Forever 21 hoodie, Old Navy button-down, J.Crew outlet jeans, J.Crew flats, Lauren by Ralph Lauren diamond studs

I stuck with my 30 items today, but added more layers earlier in the day when we were waiting outside Target for an hour. I walked away with some good deals and got a decent start on my Christmas shopping. I also got a great deal on some new running shoes and a winter coat. Yay for bargains! Did you brave the crowds this morning?

Window Shopping- Old Navy

My stress levels have been chart-topping this week, so after finally completing a 6 page paper that's due tomorrow, I decided I needed to unwind by doing a little online window shopping. My retailer of choice? Old Navy. Old Navy is one of those places that is really hit-or-miss for me, but I'm really liking what they have to offer right now. Here are some of my current favorites:

Wool-Blend Trench with Detachable Faux Fur

Cute winter coats are something I can always count on from Old Navy. Do I really need more? Probably not, but I've really been wanting a long tan one. I'd justify it by saying we have really cold winters here.

Ruffle Collar Wool-Blend Jacket

I'm kind of in love with this color, but I think I would have to see it in person first. This jacket looks very J.Crew-esque (at a fraction of the cost...it's even on sale!), and I can see it pairing up nicely with some of my leather boots.

Tie-waist Shirt Dress

I can see this dress layering up nicely for Fall and Winter with a cardigan, tights, and boots. But I'm not sure how I feel about gingham in Winter. Thoughts?

Faux-Fur Lined Knit Slippers

Yes, I know its pretty silly, but I'm kind of obsessed with these slippers! My boyfriend's sister got me a pair for Christmas last year, and they were super comfortable. I wore them so much that I ended up having to throw them away at the end of the season because they were so worn down. I definitely need to get another pair this year!

Let me know what you thought of this post...would you like to see more of my picks from around the web on days when I don't have outfit posts?

These Boots Weren't Made For Walking

Lesson of the week: be careful what you wish for. Last week, I whined and whined about how hot it was outside. Now it won't stop raining, and the temperature has dropped 30 degrees. Yiiiikes. Where is the Fall I was envisioning, the one with sunshine and pretty falling leaves? Granted, this chilly weather did give me an excuse to layer up with the cardigan from my Forgotten Five.

What I'm wearing: The Limited cardigan (item #2 from forgotten five), Old Navy long-sleeved tee, Old Navy jeans, Ciao Bella boots, Forever 21 belt, Kate Spade outlet tote

Yes, I'm wearing the same jeans I wore yesterday. This will probably happen a lot now that school is back in; don't judge. I never thought I liked Old Navy jeans, but I tried these on while I was in New York, and they are surprisingly comfortable and fit pretty well. The best part? A $15 price tag. These boots on the other hand? Not as comfortable as I remember. My school's campus is rather large, so a typical day of class involves a lot of walking, which resulted in a blister on the back of my right foot. Next time I wear these, I will remember to load up on the band-aids first. Well time for homework so I can watch Glee tonight. Who else is super pumped for the Britney episode?