hilton head style

In three short weeks (!), I will have finished my last class ever at Williams College.

One week after that, I will be jumping in my car (along with the rest of the senior class, though not all in my car. That would be cramped) and heading down to Hilton Head for a week of sun, fun, and RELAXING.

It will be one of the only times in my life when I won't be a student, I won't be employed, and I really won't be doing much of anything. That's really weird to think about. I'll be taking book recommendations, if you have them.

With Hilton Head fast approaching and my pre-HH diet (or, "operation leafy greens" as my suitemate Steve is hilariously calling it) well underway (I've already lost almost ten pounds! Woo hoo!), I thought it was time to start thinking about what I'm going to wear!

I definitely want to have an effortless selection of clothes: beachy things that I can throw on during the day and cute, but simple, sundresses that I can put on at night to go out. Here are some of the things, which I already own or are planning to buy (or just really, really want!) that I'm packing:

1. My trusty Tommy Bahama coral bathing suit, which I scored for 50% off when it really wasn't on sale at all. I love the bright color (works great for blondes and brunettes), and how the top is kinda retro.


2. My adorable new Express ruffled halter dress, which only just recently came back in stock in my size (thank the lord) and which is going to be perfect for either having lunch/shopping during the day, or can be dressed up to go out at night. It's one of the cheaper dresses they have in stock this season, and, imho, one of the cutest/most versatile. [Update: It's out of stock! So sorry if I sent you lusting after it! They do have them in solids though...] They didn't have the belt in stock, which was a bummer, but they did have:


3. Express quilted wristlet, in coral. It's going to be way too hot--and sandy--to carry around a nice bag, so this wristlet will hold my id, credit card, phone, and Burt's Bees, but I don't have to worry about ruining it. Plus, it will match almost everything else I'm bringing.


4. J. Crew Factory sequined strip boatneck top, in rose. I haven't splurged for this yet (considering that, you know, I just took out a loan to buy a new computer, but more on that later), but I really, really, really want to. Mara rocked it a few posts back, and it looked terrific on her. It's so perfect for a beachy vacation because it's nautical but in a bright color, and it's glam enough to wear out at night with white or black shorts.

5. Last season, Gap had these super cute hemmed linen shorts. I can't find any pictures of them now, and am way too pale to try to take some for you, but I'll be bringing those in raspberry, dark gray, gold, and white. They're chic and effortless and perfect for walking around town or for wearing over a bathing suit (they dry really fast if they get wet!)


6. My ubiquitous H&M striped top which almost every blogger I know seems to have also bought last summer. (That was actually a pretty fun post-- I showed how four different girls in four different parts of the world wore that one darn top. Pretty cool stuff!) I am ob-sessed with stripes, as I mentioned above, and I think nautical tops are always good to have around on a beach vacation. I like to wear mine with the gold Gap shorts, or skinny jeans and red flats, and gold jewelery. (And there's L., looking really cute and indulging me in my requisite nightly summer ice cream. Hi L.!)




7. Jack Rogers Navajo sandal, platinum. Want. Want. Want. I have the Target knockoffs now, but they're ill-made and the base is starting to peel. I just can't justify paying over $90 for sandals. Sigh. Someday...(looks longingly into the distance).

Other beach essentials? My Burt's Bees pomegranate lip balm, a bright beach tote (I use a yellow one with green handles--fun!), cocoa butter and aloe for dehydrated post-sun skin, TONS of water, which should be easy since L. was so sweet and bought me a Nalgene from the university he'll be doing research at for the next two years!, and obviously great books! I need lots of book recommendations--I'm planning to have a second post where I ask you all your opinion on what I should bring! It's been ages since I could read something that wasn't for school. (But who am I kidding? I'm the person who, when she has her choice of what to read, ends up with Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence and Tolstoy's Anna Karenina).

Finally-- halp! I'm not a big hat-wearer or sunglasses-wearer. I know that's really bad! I just feel like both always look weird on my head/face. Does anyone have any recommendations for universally flattering (or round-face/heart-face flattering) brands of either?

Bling for the New Year

My mom unintentionally set off a firestorm of a shopping spree when she gave me a gift card to Old Navy for Christmas...which I promptly spent and then some. As you guys know, I'm all about getting amazing, pricey-looking pieces on the super cheap, and I have to say, though I've always felt that Old Navy was hit-or-miss for me, I nearly took out their entire stock last week. Here are just some of the sparkly, blinging, New Year's-inspired pieces I picked up (or desperately wanted to, but they weren't in my size, sniff sniff.)

Women's Sequined Pocket-Cardigan in Marshmallow White, on sale in-store for $10.95!

Women's Embellished Cardigan in Cocoa Powder, on-sale online for $19.97


Women's Facet-Button Cardigan in Peaches and Cream, on-sale in-store for $10.95




Women's Beaded Button-Front Cardigan in Smoky Gray, on-sale online for $19.97



(Okay, can you tell I'm a little cardigan-obsessed?)

Women's Embellished "Swanky Tank" in Heather Gray, on-sale in-store for $5.95!


These tanks are amazing...I also got one in a dark charcoal gray with the neckline of this white one, again for only $5.95! Such a steal!



I also got a really great bead-and-jewel gray and silver necklace...it's sort of hard to explain without the picture, but think of solid gray beaded balls mixed in with sparkly silver jewels, on a silver chain.

Oh, and to wear all these cute new tops with, I got a pair of jeans from my favorite store for jeans ever, Express. If you guys haven't tried jeans from Express...you need to. Like, right now. I got my first and only ever pair of flattering skinny jeans there and just picked up a really flattering pair of boot-cut jeans, as well.

Did anyone else go on any unintentional shopping-sprees over the holidays?

First Chance Dresses

This upcoming Saturday, we're having our first Senior event of the year- First Chance! We all dress up in formal attire, relish in a cash bar that's cheaper than the bars in-town, and get a chance to start our senior year by spending time with current friends and possibly making some new ones.

I ALSO managed to score a free trim and blowout from my stylist the afternoon of the party. I'm so glad I don't have to worry about blowing out my hair, because honestly I'm terrible at it and can never do it well!

Of course, now comes the universal problem of senior year. With so many class events...I need more dresses! What should I wear?

I could do something simple, sexy, and formal like this black strapless dress from Zara.

Or I could so something sweet, frilly, and feminine like this J.Crew ruffled cotton dress.

Royal blue is one of my favorite colors for dresses, and I LOVE the neckline of this Banana Republic piece. I wouldn't even need jewelery!

Sequins and belted waists are super big right now, and I've always wanted to try a one-shoulder dress, like this one from Forever 21. But maybe the fact that it looks like two separate pieces is too casual for a formal party?

I don't know if I could be bold enough to don this slinky cutout halter from Arden B. It looks super sexy, but is it too much?

I'm heading to the outlets this weekend, to look for dresses like each of the different types I've listed above: simple LBD, feminine and flirty, statement necklines, sequins or one-shoulder, and cutouts. What kinds do you guys like best? I promise pictures of the winner!

My First Coach!!!

It's a little difficult to have buyer's remorse when you buy something and all the sales girls clap for you and give you pretty tissue paper and a hug. And that, my friends, is exactly what happened last friday, when I purchased my very first Coach bag!!!

I am a poor college student, it's true. But when I really want something, I save for it. (Besides, you know, my future. 'Cause I really want that too.) Recently I've been figuring it was due time that I got myeslf a "big-girl bag." I'll be going on super important job interviews soon and will obviously be buying a new suit, but will I look polished in a new suit, new heels, and a knock-off bag that I bought at a flea market two years ago that's falling apart? Mmm, not so much. See, I'm not a typical "bag" girl. I get one, I use it 'til it literally explodes/dies, and then I get another. Well, instead of buying cheap bags every year or two, why not get a really nice bag that will last for years, and look professional, and, I'll admit it, just be generally fabulous?

But don't worry, I didn't go to an actual Coach store. That would be hilarious. Because I have bills. I went to the Coach outlet with my mum last Friday, after we got glammed up with mani/pedis (I got OPI's Siberian Nights on both...it's SO fall!) and got a light lunch of salad, soup (NO BREADSTICKS) and a glass of wine at Olive Garden.



Then we hit the outlets for some serious fall spending...and that's when my mum steered me into the Coach store and said, "You've been talking about getting a bag, and I think you should. Do it."

I had been really eyeing the Madison Maggie in Saffron for a long time...but alas, at $348.00, I just couldn't justify it. WELL. I found Maggie's identical twin at the outlets for less than half that price...and it's still GORGEOUS:



I really love it. The color is exactly what I wanted, and the oversize buckle is just so sassy.

OH. And I took these pictures on my new Canon Powershot SD1300 IS! Which I'm completely obsessed with. Too bad I can't take a picture of it! Ha!

And I got this adorable Vera Bradley case to keep it safe, with my two favorite colors: chartreuse and turquoise!


(And yes. I've been engaging in some serious retail therapy while I've been home. It's the only way I can cope with senior year.)

Real or Fake?

Let me begin this post by saying that, at least until college, I had never once owned a designer label in my life. And actually...I don't really think I do, still, since the espresso-colored faux leather "Dolce and Gabbana" bag I carry around was purchased for a whopping $20 at a knock-off flea market. I've certainly splurged for the nicer things that I couldn't live without, like my bandolino boots. And my North Face fleece is warm, cozy, and honestly sort of par for the course for a New England liberal arts college campus. But usually the only times I splurge for things are when there isn't a satisfactory knock-off around. I don't believe you should have to have a lot of money to own great fashion. That's why I even devote a lot of my blog time finding cheap look-a-likes to the season's biggest fashion trends from pricier places.

HOWEVER. This is all not to say that I have something against labels, or that I'm an anti-capitalist who thinks that consumer culture is disgusting and going to be the decline of our society. Honestly? If I had the money? I would certainly treat myself to a pair of really nice shoes or a really nice bag. (I'm dying over the solid acorn Madison Maggie.) And even though my H&M one fits and looks just fine, who honestly would not want a Burberry trench coat? I mean, look, all I'm saying is if someone offered it to you for free, you wouldn't turn it down!

I don't really think there's anything wrong with rewarding yourself for working hard and feeling your best. Having a wealthy older gentleman caller or having your parents pay for these things? Different story. I can usually feel my best in an ensemble purchased from Old Navy and flip flops, but that doesn't mean that slipping something eye-catching and somewhat coveted doesn't give me a little thrill.

(Of course, high school Michelle would have none of this, and would probably slap present-day Michelle in the head.)

But I'm a woman, I've grown up, and I'm going to be starting my career soon. So why not put my best self out there? Why not make my outer self be as competitive and well put-together as my resume?

Anyways, that's a bit of a digression from what I wanted to talk about today. Which is shoes. More importantly, Jack Rogers sandals.

This should be proof of how rarely I covet major labels: until last weekend in Cape Cod, I had no idea what Jack Rogers were! Honestly! I'd always noticed and admired C.'s pair, but that's because I LIVE in sandals, hardly ever wear anything else, and they were metallic and looked sturdy and well-made. Which is sort of essential if you wear flip flops every day of the year, at least from March through November, and hate wasting money when they fall apart after a month. (I'm looking at you, Ciao Bella silver strappy sandals.)

This last weekend, however, Jack Rogers basically vomited all over my life. C., her mom, her mom's friend Trish, and their friend were all wearing Jack Rogers at dinner one night. I started feeling the itch. I had no idea that they were a major label, or how pricey they were. So I did a little research and found out I was totally under a rock, and that they were a big deal. More importantly, that the pair I wanted, the Hamptons Navajo in platinum, would run me $96.00. At least I could get them with free shipping on Piperlime, but still. Not cheap.This began a dilemma of sorts. I knew I would wear them all the time. I knew they looked great. And honestly? A little part of me liked that they would be recognized and well-appreciated at my somewhat elitist school, and that I'd be recognized for my put-togetherness by virtually any girl I walk by. Is that shallow? Maybe. Is it the hidden truth at elite colleges everywhere? Definitely.

But then, my good sense saved me. In that I found these. For only $19.99. A comparison:
Jack Rogers Hamptons Navajo flat sandals in platinum. $96.00.
Target Merona Enid Whipstitch Flat Sandals in gold. $19.99



I really struggled. My biggest fear was that the Target knock-offs wouldn't hold up, and I'd have to purchase three or four of them to get the same life that I would have gotten out of one pair of Jack Rogers, thus making the money saved irrelevant. But the reviews said they were super comfy and long-lasting--some people even said they were more comfortable than the real deal! And in trying on C.'s Jack Rogers, I've noticed that they're extremely slippery, and since I have a penchant for being clumsy, I didn't want to go flying down any carpeted staircases. Plus, I wanted the platinum color so that I'd be able to wear them with both silver and gold, and in reading the reviews I found that the knock-off "gold" version is really closer to a platinum color.

So, clearly, I went with the knock-offs. I feel good about saving the money, but I'm still apprehensive as to what the quality will be like. So perhaps a pair of real-deal Jack Rogers isn't far off for me.

Do you guys treat yourselves a lot more than I apparently do? Or do you also like finding cheap look-a-likes and saving money along the way?

I won AGAIN!

(Don't forget to enter the Alpha Ring giveaway before tomorrow at 5pm!)

Clearly my karma is building up a pretty nasty practical joke for me.

It will let me have all sorts of great things now, like finding $10 on the ground of the lobby of the movie theatre and winning the L'Amour dress in the lovely Freckles Chick's giveaway, but soon enough it will turn on me, and I'll be crossing the street under ladders with black cats while stepping on mirrors.

Huh?

To add to this pile of cosmic back luck heading my way, I recently won yet ANOTHER giveaway!

See what I mean? It's too good to be true.

I won the Alex Keller necklace in the Bon Bon Rose Girls' Sizzlin' Summer Giveaway Week! That was a pretty awesome week, ladies. All my online-shopping urges were cured just by oogling the cute things you ladies were giving away.

The necklace is beautiful. I am so, so excited about it. It just arrived in the mail a few days ago.


Funnily enough, I was already planning on wearing gold strappy sandals and gold jewelery with my new L'Amour dress. Now I've essentially won my entire rehearsal dinner outfit for my brother's wedding!


Now if only I could win some gold shoes...


[Images via Alex Keller, Shabby Apple, Nine West]

What do you think of the green and gold combination?

Validation

How funny! Emily, from Cupcakes and Cashmere, just posted her most recent outfit recap...and she was wearing the same striped H&M top I got in Boston last weekend! Here it is again for reference:


No doubt Emily wears it better; I would snag a pic and link to her outfit post (okay, I'll link it), but I won't repost a picture right up next to mine because then it will turn into one of those People magazine "Who Wore it Better?" features and frankly, I wouldn't stand a chance against Emily. Oh, and Rachael commented on my Boston post to let me know that she had just bought the top, too! I guess I picked a goodie. Rachael, I'd love to know how you wore it. I paired it with a gold necklace that my best friend C. bought me for my birthday, white shorts from Old Navy, and silver strappy sandals. Emily paired it with jean shorts, gold necklaces (it works so well with the nautical look), an awesome green military-inspired jacket, and killer platforms. Typical: the East Coast girl plays it safe and nautical-preppy, and the West Coast girl makes it stylish and bold. I really can't wait to get out there!!!

Update: Rachael commented and said that she wore her top with black opaque tights, a black skirt with braces from Urban Outfitters and black flats. (She says she thinks it was boring and necessitated by the bad weather, but I think it sounds oh-so-chic!) Rachael's from the UK, so now we've seen how three girls in three very different parts of the world wore this one top, and you can totally see how our locations influenced us. Is it just me who thinks that is so cool?

And, Chelsea commented to say she owns it too, and wore it with jean shorts, black opaque tights, oxfords, and a gold owl necklace. So she sort of combined elements of Emily and Rachael's outfits. And the gold necklaces seem to be a constant.

I love seeing one top do so many different things! And getting validation from a true style icon that my own isn't too bad ;)

I WON!

Guys!

Pardon me for getting all squeaky for a second.

But I WON!

(Did you hear the squeak? It was there.)

I have not-so-great luck. I don't ever really win anything. But I enter lovely giveaways all the same like nobody's business, because I feel the same way about them I feel about plane crashes: the odds are slim it will happen, but really the odds for everyone are the same.

Does that make sense?

(This is why I'm terrified of flying.)

I digress! I entered the lovely Freckles Chick's (if you don't read her...go start!) Shabby Apple giveaway last week, an adorable boutique home to only the most amazing dresses ever. And when she posted the results tonight, I almost fell out of my chair when I saw my profile picture next to MY comment next to MY NAME!

Here are the colors of the dress I get to choose from:

L'OPERA:


or L'AMOUR:


What do you guys think I should pick? I'm leaning toward the green color, as I think it goes well with brown hair and brown eyes. It'll be a perfect summer-into-fall work dress, no?

(PS- a green, cotton dress worn to my brother's rehearsal dinner at the end of the summer will be the perfect complement to my fancy pink cocktail dress I bought for his wedding! Scratch that purchase off the list!)

The Dress-- FINALLY!

I probably think you all are way more invested in my dress plight than you really are, so for that I am sorry. And what a plight it has been. There was the first one I found, with the beautiful cross-straps in the back and the gorgeous beading on the bodice:


But at $350.00, it just wasn't gonna happen. Heartbroken, I left it behind in Hawaii, only to think about it for weeks afterward. Isn't that the worst? When you KNOW you should have gotten something, and think you'll never find it again?

Then I stumbled upon its long-lost cousin: This Laundry by Shelli Segal look-a-like:


At $166.00, it was better, though certainly not a steal for my meager-college funds. I loved the beaded neckline but wasn't sure if the shift-like fit would be flattering or just look like I was wearing a shapeless bag. So I decided to keep looking.

Then, guys? It happened. I was just putzing around on the Express website since they were doing a 30% off offer that ended Saturday, and decided to see if there was anything that would be cute and cheap.

Oh, was there ever.

I stumbled upon this Belted Sleeveless Dress in Strawberry. The Bali color, which was a shimmery aqua, was cute too, but my mum is wearing a teal dress to the wedding so I knew to stay away from that. It was so classy, so punchy (which is what I was looking for, since a lot of colors can wash a brunette out), and so simple. Perfection.


Sorry the image quality is so poor--Express has a flash player so you have to copy and save thumbnails of their images, but GUYS. It is so perfect. The punchy coral color is decidedly springy, but perfect for a late summer wedding in San Diego. And though the ceremony is outdoors at dusk, the reception is later that night, inside. To to take the dress from springy to classy, there's that adorable black skinny leather belt, which comes with it.

At $70, the dress was already hundreds less than its competitors, but since I believe that great fashion should be gotten on the cheap (don't believe me? Check out this post and this post), I knew I could do better than that. The 30% off promotion brought it down to $57.00. Then, I used a $25.00 gift card I had laying around with no use for. The total cost? $32.o0. Can you IMAGINE how guilty I would feel now if I had purchased either of the designer dresses?

Now all I have to do is find a pair of cheap black peep-toe pumps and a chunky necklace, and we're in business!

The Dress and I: A Star-Crossed Love Story

I'm still waiting on some Hawaii pictures which I want to include in the update before I write it, so that's on the way! I promise!

But until then, I can share one extremely heartbreaking moment that occurred whilst I was out doing some shopping and general girl-bonding-time with L.'s mom and aunt in the little town of Kilauea. We were browsing through this super cute clothing store and suddenly, it caught my eye.

The backstory:

Michelle's brother is getting married in September (yay!). Michelle needs a super cute dress for the wedding, which is going to be just outside of San Diego, in the early evening (so it's sunny for the ceremony) and the reception will be inside. Dress needs to be summery and bright enough for outside but demure enough for inside.

Enter the dress:

I saw it on the rack. I checked the tag. It was $325. I could never afford it. But it called to me. What the hell, says I. I'll just try it on for fun.

I try it on. L's mom and aunt, and the store owner, all swoon. I look in the mirror. I swoon. There is only one of these dresses. It is exactly my size. It fits like a glove. The designer will not ever make another one. And I can't afford it.

L's mom and aunt offer to buy the dress and I can pay them back. I can't convince myself to do it. I decline their amazing offer, and decide I will try to find the dress's identical, cheap, stateside twin.

That's where you all come in. If anyone can find me a cheap version of this dress (believe me, I'm looking too!), you will become my absolute most favorite person in the world. Here it is, in all its glory, and the amazing elements that I am extremely doubtful I'll be able to find on another dress.

1. The back. Look at those satin criss-crossed straps. Ahh! So gorgeous.


2. The color. It's AMAZING.

3. The detailing on the bust. Look at that beadwork! It's stunning.


My mum says I should just wear a dress I already own, but she's already bought two new dresses, four pairs of shoes, a bracelet, two pairs of earrings, and a clutch for the event. So, I think one dress is legit.

Will I ever be able to find it again?

Spring Style & Wishlist

I know I still owe everyone the rest of my 21st birthday recap, but the thought of writing it seems daunting to me (I'm not really sure why...it's not like THAT much happened), and since I haven't really wanted to do it, I've been m.i.a. for much too long.

Thus, we're going to forget about it momentarily, because I have spent the last few days online shopping the crap out of my fave sites and thought, if I'm going to do it, I might as well be productive and share my finds with all of you!

Thus, here's what I'm absolutely craving for my wardrobe come spring...(ps...coral alert!)

1. American Eagle Pleated V-Neck T

This adorable t, in coral (which seems to be my go-to color in this Spring-wardrobe shopping) is great because it's a nice alteration on a fairly simple basic piece, the v-neck, which is essential in my wardrobe. The empire waistline is an extremely flattering fit on me since I'm...well, well-endowed with my girls and my waist is narrower than my hips. I think this cut is perfect for anyone with an hourglass figure. I also love the rouching in the shoulders/under the chest. At $19.50 for a staple tee, however, I might wait for it to go on sale.

2. J. Crew Blakely Wrap Blouse

Anyone who reads this blog knows that I have a love/hate relationship with J. Crew...their clothes are adorable but their prices are downright atrocious. I've taken it upon myself to go about finding cheap doppelgangers for the cute pieces that I find, and posted about it here and here. But I really fell in love with this blouse. Metallic greyish-purples are super hot right now (especially on your toes!), and this season I'm all about wearing the types of colors that I would wear in my makeup (coral on my lips, and dusty purple on my eyes.) Additionally, the wrap-tie around the waist is another great and flattering fit for those of us with some curves. Sadly, I don't think I could justify making the $98.00 purchase, but it would be such a versatile piece-- I could easily wear it to my job at the art museum with a cream-colored cardigan, and take the cardigan off at night/take out my pearls and add some purple dangly earrings that I love to go out for drinks after work. Sigh. A girl can dream...

3. Gap Mini Floral Henley Tank

Tiny floral patterns and embellishments are such a sweet detail this spring, and the great thing is they can also be paired with stripes and other non-solid pieces for a really cute and modern look. This top is also a great, versatile piece...I'd wear it to work with trousers and a blazer for a feminine touch to an otherwise traditional work outfit, and then change into skinny jeans and heels, with perhaps a long dangly necklace, for a dinner out with L. Too bad it's a rather shocking $49.50 (for a TANK!) Gap is moving further and further out of the affordability scale, and I'm definitely disappointed in that, since they usually have great and cheap staple pieces to build up a great wardrobe, when paired with some carefully selected pricier pieces.

4. Aerie Ruffle Dress

I was surprised to find this dress in the Aerie line rather than the American Eagle line, since the Aerie dresses are usually ones I wouldn't necessarily feel comfortable going out in, due to skimpiness or basic lack of detail. But this dress is adorable--I wish I had it to wear out for Valentine's Day! For less than the cost of a, say, J. Crew weddings and parties (some of the dresses are pretty simple and perfect for a cocktail party or a special night out) dress, which usually run in the $200 range, you could get this adorable coral dress at $29.50 and buy some satin ribbon, perhaps in a shape or two darker than the coral color of the dress, and have it professionally sewn onto the hem and perhaps around the edges of those ruffles...how pretty would that be? It would kick the dress from casual daytime to something fancy enough perhaps to wear to my brother's wedding this summer...

5. AE Ditzy Skirt

I love the name of this skirt almost as much as the skirt itself! And the price, at $34.50, isn't bad either! Again, I'm super into teeny tiny florals, and this airy, floaty fabric looks so comfortable and sweetly sexy. Wouldn't it look so cute with a tucked-in white v-neck and some red strappy heels?

6. Piperlime Etienne Aigner Vivica Slingback Sandals

Speaking of strappy heels, how cute are these slingback sandals?? They have everything I love in a good shoe: peep-toe, small heel, sturdy leather construction, and a bow to boot! (Pun kind of intended.) Bows, right up there with florals, are another big trend this season, although I prefer them in demure and cute ways, such as this, rather than, say, an 8 inch neckline bow. Also? The shoes are only $69.00, and Piperlime offers free shipping and returns. Love, love, love.

7. AE Embellished Cleopatra T

Another of my favorite recent trends is the necklace t. I love accessorizing, and with a top like this, the work is done for you! I love that the sleeves are a little drapey, since loose-fitting tops are really flattering on everyone and also very trendy now. And the price, as usual for American Eagle (which is why I love them so much!) is a reasonable $24.50.

8. J. Crew Cashmere V-neck Cardigan

I am the cardigan queen. I feel every girl shown own a cardigan in every color that looks good on her, because they're so versatile, classy, and can transform other pieces in your wardrobe. I loveeeee this cardigan. I cannot express how much I love it. I'm obsessed with the button detail. And the heather camel color is my perfect color--since I have medium brown hair and eyes, heather brown, which is two or three shades lighter than my hair and eyes--makes them go pop. Yet horrifyingly enough, I don't own any cardigans in heather brown! I thought I had found the perfect one in the fall, but eventually shipped it back. This cardigan is oh-so-expensive, but at $168.00, oh-so-out of my price range. If there were a cotton option, I'd be all over it.

9. Forever 21 Belted Casual Knit Dress

Most of the dresses I own are cocktail dresses, and therefore I only get to wear them when I go out to a nice dinner or a party. I've decided I need more simple dresses that I can wear everyday and not look overdressed (most people don't wear dresses on college campuses, sadly.) I really like this simple cotton dress. I especially love the elastic waist with the attached braided leather belt (which is the same color as my favorite Dolce and Gabana bag! Knockoff or real? I'll never tell.) It'd be great to just slip on and run out the door, with a cute pair of tan leather sandals and a braid!

10. Forever 21 Bead Revival Necklace

C. got me an adorable beaded chain necklace for my birthday, and I love it. It's gold with bright turquoise, yellow, red, and blue tiny beads, and it can really make an outfit that seems like it has something missing. I love layering up chain necklaces with v-neck sweaters. This one has two of my favorite colors, peach and coral (and pearls!).

I'm planning to follow this post up with some spring trends that I will NOT be adding to my wardrobe (cage heels or jumpers, anyone?) What trends are you dying to wear as soon as it's warm?

Ugh, Uggs

If you're like me and have been dying for a pair of camel-colored Uggs for as long as you can remember, but don't want to shell out the $180.00 or so that they usually go for, check out what I just found:

This Basic Faux Suede Boot from Wet Seal is only $12.00! Sure, it might not be as warm...or stand up as well in the snow...or, you know, be real, but for $12, who cares! And Wet Seal often does free shipping, so I would say if you've been coveting a pair of Uggs, this wouldn't be a bad start!

Also, I started my Jenna's J. Crew Holiday Gift Picks: Michelle Can Do It Cheaper Edition post on Monday and just published it today, so it didn't appear as my newest post. Frustrating! To make sure you don't miss it, check it out here =)

Jenna's J. Crew Holiday Gift Picks: Michelle Can Do it Cheaper Edition

As I mentioned in a previous post, J. Crew stylist Jenna is really going to hate me if she ever finds my blog. But come on, girl. We don't all have $80 (okay, okay, I'm exaggerating...$79.50...)to spend on a ruffle cardigan! Am I right, or am I right?

Thus, I proudly present my perhaps-bitchy, definitely-useful feature, in which I post pretty pictures of all Jenna's Picks, their nasty price tags, and their doppelganger alternatives that I locate for all of you for a much lower price. Think of me as your personal buyer...except you don't have to pay me. Scratch that: you can pay me in comments and bloggy love.

Jenna's Gift Picks: Michelle Can Do it Cheaper Edition

#1. Festive, Metallic Belts

Okay, sorry Jenna, but this one is a no-brainer. Jenna's picks include the J. Crew Superskinny Satin Belt, and the J. Crew Metallic Mirror Belt, shown respectively:


Obviously, they're super cute. The silver satin belt, at $25.00, isn't gonna put you out of house and home. But the gold mirror belt, at $35.00, is asking a little too much of you. Granted, it is in "fine Italian leather," but guess what? No one is going to know the difference. Really. Unless you tell them. In which case, you're being snobby.

The clear-cut alternative are these Old Navy Metallic Bow Belts.


They're only $10.00 and they have little bows on them. Um, could you get any more cute? The answer is no.

#2: Jacquard, Sounds-French-But-It's, Once-Again, Italian Ballet Flats

Okay, I have to admit, these were really, really difficult for me to substitute. I mean, they are gold and floral, and crafted with silk, metallic threads. These people pay more attention to detail in making shoes than I do in writing papers during finals....umm...


Beautiful, huh? Well, are they as beautiful as a crisp Benjamin, a Jackson, a spankin' new Hamilton, and a handful of Washingtons? ($135.00, for the non history-obsessees in the room).

I love me some pretty shoes, but I love my boys more.

I said it was hard...but please, I pride myself on how good I am at this stuff. So I present: the Xhilaration Sheryl Floral Print Ballet Flat--Gold


Honestly? I think I like those ones better. And they have a BOW, which we've clearly already established that I love. Oh and um THEY'RE ONLY $19.99 at Target which is why you'd be crazy to spend $110.00 more dollars on such similar shoes.

#3: J. Crew Sequined Starland Tank

Jenna is a smart cookie, and she knows what looks hot. Her problem is that she can't seem to separate "spending a couple days' at work paycheck" from "omg this is so cute," which is clearly a problem.

The tank is clearly awesome, and would look great under a nice black cardigan and with skinny jeans and boots or pumps (Christmas party outfit?) But it's $138.00, and I'm guessing the Christmas bonus has to whore itself out to a lot of different places this year.

This Express Twist Racerback Top--Sequins, at $49.50, however, is much more reasonable and still super cute. I wanted to show it to you in the dark metal color, which looks more like the J. Crew one, but we all know the problems I have with the Express site (the images are on Flash so you can't save them right off the site, and they're always very small and end up being blurry), so click the link to see it. PLUS today (Thursday) they're having a free shipping day, so get over there!

#4: Sequined Cardigans

I'm just gonna admit it: I don't really find the J. Crew Sequin Tuxedo Cardigan to be all that attractive. It's chunky and a little too masculine (hence the name, I suppose).

It's also $88.00. Girl. Please. What do you expect from me?


I really like this Sequin V-Neck Cardigan I found at Martin and Osa much better:



I think the fit is much more flattering and feminine, and at $44.75 you could get it in black and grey for the same price as one of the J. Crew cardigans!

5. Cashmere Scarves

Cashmere scarves make a great gift. Here's a J. Crew one, for $78.00 (and that's on sale! It was $98.00! Sorry Jenna, but I've gotta look out for my paycheck instead of my friends on this one!


This cashmere scarf which I once again found at Martin and Osa is more reasonably priced ($64.00) and...get this...it has little pockets in the front to keep your hands warm! Best idea ever! I really love the rich blue colored one, too.


So there you have it! I hope I managed to save everyone a couple dollars this year, whether it's on crossing items off your own wishlist (don't even feel badly about it! Treat yourself!) or your Christmas shopping list. Some of the pieces may seem only slightly cheaper but when you add it up there's hundreds of dollars worth of savings here!

Also, here's a helpful trick I learned from Cosmo: If you're shopping for something online and you're not sure if you want to get it, leave it in your shopping cart/shopping bag for a few days. The company will often email you some sort of coupon to encourage you to make the purchase! Since I have a crazy little habit of filling up virtual shopping bags all over the interwebs, you can imagine how many coupons I've gotten!