spring staples at all price points!

There are a few wardrobe pieces this time of year that are absolute staples to have on hand. These are the pieces that get worn over and over again and really become the foundation for your spring wardrobe.  These pieces work great with the trendier pieces you may choose this spring and also are great for the sometimes cool, sometimes warm weather that the spring season throws our way.

Shop these pieces below at all price points… so that no matter your budget your closet will be set for spring!

striped top: steal, spend (shown), splurge

white jeans: steal, spend, splurge (shown)

field jacket: steal, spend, splurge (shown)

sunglasses: steal, spend (shown), splurge

classic tee: steal, spend (shown), splurge

boyfriend jeans: steal, spend, splurge (shown)

clutch: steal, spend, splurge (shown)

cross sandals: steal, spend (shown), splurge

sneakers: steal, spend (shown), splurge

striped dress: steal (shown), spend, splurge

delicate necklace: steal, spend (shown), splurge

summer sweater: steal, spend (shown), splurge

the damage… september, 2014!

At the end of each month this year I am planning to pause to take a look at my spending as it's related to my closet. I call these posts "the damage." Each month my target budget is $300 and only 5 pieces of clothing or shoes. For 2014 I chose 5 items because I am working on making my closet a more curated place and also to try to put an end to the constant closet clean outs where loads of clothes get sent to charity - but I have failed pretty miserably at the 5 things goal. It was a lofty goal I experimented with this year and I guess you win some you lose some, but this was in the "lose" category for sure. Oh well, just keeping it real here for you gals!

 For some this budget may sound like a lot and for others it may not... for me personally this is my monthly goal. It works for my budget and lifestyle and doesn't break the bank. Shopping budgets are a personal thing, but I share mine here to show how I stretch my budget and work to create a well curated and fully stocked closet.

September was a bad month for shopping for me… I came away with a few great pieces but I mostly did my shopping online this month - which isn't necessarily out of character for me - with little to no luck. I returned a TON of stuff that didn't fit or I didn't like - which is very out of character for me.  I hate returning stuff and rarely, rarely do. I like to make final decisions in the fitting room.  Not only is it a huge pain to run to a million stores (again) to return or pack up boxes to return I always just feel disappointed doing it.  I hate to send back a gorgeous jacket or pair of jeans when they don't fit.  So overall it was a weird shopping month. I feel like I am a little behind on my fall wardrobe because of it.

Let's take a look at the pieces I did buy and keep this month…

Black Drapey Sweater, LOFT, $54.50 with coupon $29.50 (worn here)

White Lace Front Sweatshirt, LOFT, $59.50 on promotion for $29.50 (worn here)

Grey Jeweled Sweatshirt, LOFT, $54.50 on promotion for $29.50 (worn here)

Grey Button Back 3/4 Sweater, LOFT, $44.50 on promotion for $29.50 (worn here)

Space-Dye Blouson Tank Dress, LOFT, $54.50 on promotion for $21.80 (worn here)

Scarf, Zara, $29.90

Total Spent: $169.70 (saved: $127.70)

Thoughts on the budget: Obviously when shopping doesn't go as planned and there are returns it can be good to be under budget!  And last month I was quite over budget - so it does even the budget out a bit.  I am thankful for that.  LOFT always has great promotions and I took advantage of them this month for sure!  There are a few stores where it never makes sense to buy an item full price… LOFT is one of those, they have so many great deals.

Thoughts on the pieces: I didn't mean to buy only from LOFT this month (with the exception of the scarf). But I really love their offerings lately.  It's no surprise that I am into neutrals lately and this shopping month proved that as well.  I am sure you gals will ask, so these are the items I returned: these boots, this jacket, these jeans, this jacket.  These items would have definitely put me over budget and for October I am deciding if I should re-order in different sizing or not.  Stay tuned!

Do you share your monthly shopping budget on your blog? I would love to read it - share in the comments!

timeless classics for fall with Ann Taylor!

When the calendar flips to August I immediately start thinking fall clothes (it naturally comes with the territory as a blogger). Not that I wish one day of summer away - no way… I'm still in full on summer mode.  But in between lazy mornings, afternoons poolside and bbqs I am already working on scouring the sites to see what surprises fall has in store for us style-wise.   I will feature a lot of these finds here on the blog… hopefully to make your fall shopping easier!

I randomly ended up on the Ann Taylor site recently - drooling over this jacket - and the more I poked around the more goodies I found and loved.  Ann Taylor is the epitome of classic style and what I love so much about all these pieces is that not only will they be timeless enough to wear for seasons to come but they are also great transitional wear to fall.  Black jeans can still be worn with a tee shirt and sneakers this September or a leather jacket can easily be layered over a great summer dress for a perfect summer to fall look.

And since Ann Taylor pieces are always so beautiful but conservative… they also translate well to an office environment as well.  You really can't go wrong with any of these gorgeous pieces for fall!

top row, from left: sunglasses, black skinny jeans, flats, peter pan top

2nd row, from left: tote, striped top, leather jacket, drapey pant

3rd row, from left: navy blouse, clutch, cheetah print dress, earrings

4th row, from left: tortoise belt, pleather skirt, ankle strap sandals, sweater