Army Chic...

Jacket: Zara, similar | Peplum: J Crew (on sale!) | Denim: J Crew | Wedges: Zara | 

Bag: H&M | Sunnies: Tory Burch | Pearls: J Crew | Watch: Michael Kors 

I feel like my outfits lately have been one extreme or the other... super bright florals or neutral spring layers. There is not really much in between, but that's how I like it! Each piece of this look is an absolute must have investment piece of mine. The great thing is that most of them were major bargain finds: denim under $100, top for $15, Jacket $75 (last year), wedges $90, and bag $35.  I like to keep my trendy pieces on the cheaper side since I won't be wearing them long, but for staples... I can justify a splurge here and there. With these pieces, I had some amazing luck. I talk often about cost per wear. That is really the most important building block for me with wardrobing.... why spend over $100+ per wear for something that will be off trend in just a couple months? That just doesn't make sense to me....

For these pieces the estimated CPW is under $5 and for many is less than that. I always feel so accomplished when I know I have saved money and also found a quality product... that just leaves more to spend on other things, right?

Our weather has been crazy here this week.... so no open toe shoes for me until the weekend most likely. I'm just ready to be warm on the regular... this winter has not been good to me! Just pray for no more snow! It's gotten so bad this winter that Luke is serving a couple Saturday school sessions to make up for time! Sadness!

I hope you have a wonderful day & thanks for stopping by!

Make sure to follow via the links below and on Bloglovin.

XO-L

ps- Don't you worry, Wedding Wednesday will be back next week! We will be posting on the regular.... promise! (Trust me... this is my venting space... and I'm sure Luke could use a break from the stress talk!)

Essential Florals

Dress: Dorothy Perkins, similar // Scarf: Kate Spade Saturday, similar // Shoes: Zara //

 Bag: H&M // Watch: Michael Kors // Bracelet: J. Crew // Sunnies: Ruche  // 

Lip: All Fired Up // Wearing Luxy 120g set in Dirty Blonde

I am obsessed with bright floral patterns. This scarf was actually a TJ Maxx find, but with Spring styles swarming stores right now similar ones can be find everywhere. Red is a must have for me so I didn't have to think twice about bringing it home with me.  The dress is a Dorothy Perkins find from last spring. It looks like a typical sundress, but it's actually denim. There is a similar style on the site right now for 25% off. Don't let that pass you by. I have worn this dress several times in the year I've had it. Pockets, a tie back, and classic print... can't beat it. The similar style I found is actually just straight denim and would be such a great foundation piece for your wardrobe. 

I'm also so in love with my new Zara wedges. I was looking for the perfect nude wedges for Spring  and in my search found these. While I'm still in need of a classic nude, I couldn't pass up these cuties! They remind me so much of moccasins... but a more stylish way to wear them! The wedge is the perfect height and I know I will wear them out this summer!

Lastly, these sunnies are amaze! I ran across them on the shopruche website and quickly realized what a great Karen Walker dupe they are. I have been dying for som Karen Walker shades since last summer, but opted for these aviators first. Girls on a wedding budget must prioritize fashion wants, am I right?

It officially feels like Spring! Can we say AMEN? I am so happy to have a little extra time in the evenings and to no longer be frozen every day of my life. Winter always seems to get the best of me... I really need to move somewhere warmer!

I'm glad to finally be feeling better and moving on to a new week. I think we should just erase the last one... bad news!

Thanks so much for reading pretties! Have a wonderful day!

Xo-L

Spring Stripes

Top: J Crew, love this | Denim: 7FAM | Heels: ZooShoo | Bag: H&M | Sunglasses: Anthropologie | 

Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: J Crew | Lip: Pink Neauvou

Stripes are a necessity in my life. When I'm on the struggle bus in the morning, I always reach for something striped and instantly my look is pulled together. I bought this top last year from J Crew and don't wear it often enough. The embroidered detail adds interest and a fresh wash of color.

I'm loving neons right now, these pumps have been in my cycle of shoes for a couple months and I still keep reaching for them! I just love yellow! I'm loving these from J Crew also... Maybe Easter shoes?

After a trip to the doctors office this morning, I found out I have strep! This crazy weather is about to get the boot! My body was not made for this!

I hope you have a wonderful day and thanks so much for stopping by! Make sure to stop by in the morning! I'm starting a new series to focus more on my wedding planning process, as promised! This will be a weekly series every Wednesday leading up until the wedding! Super exciting news! I'll see you there!

Xo-L

Going Green

This skirt has stolen my heart. When I received a recent mailer from H&M I saw it featured and just had to have it. A black midi skirt with pockets of good quality under a $50 price point is nearly impossible... but this one beats the odds. The structure is impeccable and it really moves with you. I can't wait to keep styling it throughout spring and summer. The possibilities are endless.

I keep throwing colors on to trick my mind into thinking it isn't freezing outside. Kelly green is the epitome of spring... it's coming soon... that's what I keep telling myself...

The wind was having a fit while we took pictures... and my hair didn't quite make it through...

Skirt: H&M, sold out/ similar

Top: old, similar here and here

Belt: J Crew

Necklace: Banana Republic

Heels: J Crew

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Bracelet: J Crew

Watch: Michael Kors

Have a blessed day and keep thinking of spring! She will be here before we know it!

Talk to you soon!

I am linking up with:

• Three-fer Thursday with Perfectly Coutured and Everyday Fashion & Finance
• What I'm Loving Fridays: Simply Lulu Style

Bundled up in color...

Remember me saying it was cold? I was just kidding... now it's cold... We are seriously at 0! When is this crazy freeze going to end? The only ways I am getting through can be summed up in one word: layers. I work inside most of the day so wearing heavy layers on top and lighter underneath is a must. I start with something like a light blouse, move to a sweater, and then end with a heavy coat. I'm not much of a glove wearer... I usually wear them the first five minutes I'm in the car on my commute and toss them for the day. I just feel super restricted... and mostly can't handle not being able to use my phone. (I can't get the touch screen compatible gloves to work). 

This coat is one of my most prized possessions. I love the color (read about my yellow obession here) and that the sleeve isn't full length. I realize three quarter sleeves are really meant for fall, but I like to be able to move. I also love this coat for the reason that layers don't feel super bulky underneath. I love the sweater ( I wore it to cover up during my best friends wedding... it was a chilly night and we weren't very covered in our strapless bridesmaids dresses). The hi-lo effect is hard to see here, but it really is the best part. Polka dots don't hurt either though... 

I thought I needed some extra color so I threw on a sleeveless blouse in the popular color of the year (Radiant Orchid). At first I thought the colors might be a little overwhelming together, but I actually love the combo...

Coat: Talbot's Similar

Sweater: Boutique Find, Similar

Bow Blouse: Similar here and here

Pants: J Crew

Socks: Urban Outfitters

Boots: Hunter

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelet: Mudpie

Headwrap: Anthropologie

Sunnies: Tory Burch

Bag: H&M, similar

Lippie: St. Germain with Girl about Town Gloss

Other thoughts: Hunter Boots aren't just for rain. Outside of UGG boots... they are kind of the only thing that keep me warm. I throw on boot socks and I'm set. 

Have a great day and stay warm!

Thanks for reading!

Canary

Canary yellow is absolute perfection. Yellow can often turn into a disaster where outfits are concerned: reason being,  choosing the wrong shade. I have yet to find someone this shade of yellow doesn't favor. If you are brunette with olive complexion or blonde and fair like me, this shade will work for you! Throw on a bright pink or red lip and some skinnies and you are ready to go!

I found this fab top from H&M about a month ago. I love the fabric and ruffle front. One thing to always be mindful of with tops is volume balance. I paired my leather blazer with this to bring down the fullness and bring everything to the center with a tapered front. I'm all about adding interest, but you never want to let it takeover. Always find something to keep your looks grounded.

 I am so grateful for the ability to shop H&M online now. I found several items that are amazing quality, but each came in around $20. You really can't beat that. Especially when one of my finds is a great dupe for several designer bags I have been eyeing lately. This bag is quite large, but is perfect for those days when I have a lot to cart around with me. Another great part is the large mouth opening. There is nothing worse than a large bag with a small mouth: all that size and no way to easily access  your items... no thanks! 

Blouse: H&M

Jacket: Express, similar

Denim: 7fam

Heels: J Crew, similar 

Bag: H&M

Sunnies: Anthropologie, similar 

Watch: Michael Kors 

Earrings: option

Lippie: Stila Poppy

Another change, I wore my Luxies straight for once. I was scared my hair wouldn't blend well and would look piecey, but I was pleasantly surprised. Just a little leave in to keep the ends smooth and my flat iron and we were in business.

Luke and I both have the day off today! Thank the Lord for holidays. We are spending the day working on wedding plans! Wish us luck! We are in crunch time and have a million things to accomplish on our to do list before May 31st!!

Thanks for reading and talk to you soon!