splurge vs. steal

I love back to school shopping – in fact it was one of my favorite things to do with my mom and sister’s before starting school in the fall. Everyone loves a good deal, so today we’re sharing some hot finds for the fall at a fraction of the designer cost. Happy shopping.

That polka dot sweater is SO calling my name.

Mossimo Kasey Boot {Target} vs. Also ‘fastrost’ Boot {Nordstrom}

Chambray Work Shirt {Anthropologie} vs. Chambray Western Shirt {American Eagle Outfitters}

Owl Detail Cashmere Sweater {Burberry} vs. Mossimo Long Sleeve Owl Sweater {Target}

Collection Cashmere Polka Dot Sweater {J. Crew} vs. Women’s Boatneck Sweater {Old Navy}

1969 Ankle Zip Legging Jeans {GAP} Colored Jeans vs.  7 for all Mankind Slim Illusion Overdyed Skinny Stretch Jeans {Nordstrom}

{images via Nordstrom, Target, America Eagle Outfitters, Anthropologie, J. Crew, Old Navy, BurberryGAP}

great gatsby style

The glamorous, modern and elegant style that made its way into the fashion world in Paris in the 1920’s is making a statement again…and we LOVE it. Bringing back the Great Gatsby style makes us {especially Jenna} happy.

1. temperley london web sequined tulle dress, net-a-porter {$2,095}
2. art deco sequin mini skirt, express {$59.90}
3. fan the breeze bracelet, modcloth {$15.99}
4. fairest of them all vanity table, urban outfitters {$269}
5. duran heel, vince camuto {$149} 
6. oscar de la renta tassel clip earrings, net-a-porter {$395}
7. emory bar cart, horchow {$1,400}
8. kimchi blue art deco jeweled clutch, urban outfitters {$49}
9. art deco cuff gold, vince camuto {$98}
10. lodis deco buckle elastic belt, zappos {$46.99}

If your in the bridal dress market, these 1920’s style dresses from the johanna johnson zepphora collection are stunning.

{images via Express, Vince Camuto, Net-a-Porter, Zappos, Urban Outfitters, Johanna Johnson via issuu, Modcloth, Horchow}

iconic ikat

We’re loving one of this summer’s trends: ikat {pronounced “ee-kot”) . I had no idea what ikat actually meant, but it didn’t really matter because it looks good and I like it!

However, after wanting to learn something new today, I learned ikat is a fabric in which the yarns have been tie-dyed before weaving.

We found some home and fashion finds so you, too, can have a little ikat in your life.

IKAT TO SPICE YOUR WARDROBE

1. Marisa Wide Leg Pants in Ikat, Ann Taylor LOFT {$65}
2. Bright Ikat Butterfly Cover-Up, Echo {$48}
3. Poketo Ikat Scarf, Poketo {$24}
4. Soludos Pico Flat Espadrille, Shopbop {$42}
5. Toms Cenna Sandal, Nordstrom {$68.95}
6. Kushcush Bali Bikini, Shopbop {$75 and $71}
7. Ella Moss Ikat Maxi Dress, Shopbop {$188}
8. Sequin Ikat Medium Enamel Bangle, Nordstrom {$30}
9. Ikat Print Sunglasses, Topshop {$32}
10. Wild Ikat Chino Short, J. Crew {$59.50}
11. Boni Beach bag by Roberta Roller Rabbit, Piperlime {$67.99}
12. Haute Hippie Silk Peasant Dress, Nordstrom {$395}

IKAT FOR THE HOME

1. Ikat Table Runner, Pinterest
{I don’t know where to find these runners, so if anyone knows, please fill me in. I love the way they are used at each place setting, rather than 1 long runner down the length of the table}
2. Armless Upholstered Slipper Accent Chair, Target
3. Iman Ikat Pillow Cover, Stitched Nestings on Etsy {$45}
4. Ikat Ogee Linen Window Panel, West Elm {$69-$84}
5. Ikat Placemats and Napkins, Neiman Marcus {$45-$60}
6. Ikat Nesting Bowls Set of 3, C. Wonder {$58}
7. Ikat Dot Organic Sheet Set, Pottery Barn Teen {$32.50-$119.00}
8. Ipanema Ikat Slanted Party Tub, World Market {$13.99}
9. Ikat Picture Frames, Dana Gibson {$55-$65}
10. Ikat Medallion Drum Lampshade, StudioJOTA on Etsy {$99.95}

{images via Nordstrom, LOFT, Echo, Poketo, Shopbop, Topshop, Piperlime, PinterestTargetNeiman Marcus, World Market, C. Wonder, West ElmPottery Barn Teen, Studio Jota, Stitched Nestings, Dana Gibson}

red, white & blue

Show your patriotism this 4th of July holiday, and celebrate our freedom with a little red, white and blue.

P.S. When I refer to ‘it’ below, I’m referring to red, white and blue!

1. Wear it

2. Bake it
Mini Cherry Pies by Country Living

3. Or, don’t bake it…this No-Bake Strawberry Blueberry Mini Cheesecake Trifle by Glorious Treats looks amazing

4. Plant it
My father-in-law built these planters with antique red barn wood, and my mother-in-law planted beautiful red, white and blue flowers

5. DIY it
I couldn’t sleep at 5 am today, so I woke up and thought of a quick and easy DIY project. I re-used Budweiser Platinum beer bottles my husband happily consumed last week. The base of this simple patriotic centerpiece is an antique piece of wood, the beer bottles are vases to red and white daisies, and I used a hot glue gun to attach a burlap ribbon with red stripes to decorate the bottles.

6. Hang it…and the tissue fans will look like fireworks, via Martha Stewart

7. Sip it
Red, White and Blue Sangria by Punchbowl

7. Most importantly, thank a soldier serving our country who fights everyday for our freedom. Among two of the many organizations are A Million Thanks and Operation Gratitude.

{images via Glitter Guide, Glorious Treats, Country Living, Tutto Bella, Punchbowl and Martha Stewart}

fit for a queen

In honor of the Queen of England’s Jubilee celebration {June 2-5, 2012}, marking 60 years of the Queen’s reign in England, we’ve put together a list of British finds and party necessities fit for royalty…and you’re worthy!

For a beautiful tea party inspiration in honor of the Jubilee, visit Naomi Kenton’s site here.

Women’s Original British Boot, Hunter {$194}

Union Scarf, French Connection {$88}

Religion Union Jack Knitted Tunic, Asos {$97.41}

Union Jack Sunglasses, Asos {$20.87}

Keep Calm and Carry On Necklace, Bip & Bop {$19.99}

Union Jack Flag Lettering, Rosenberry Store

Tea Cup Bracelets, Stay Gold Mary Rose on Etsy

Vintage China Diamond Statement Ring, Stay Gold Mary Rose on Etsy {$39}

Jam Party Kit, Lakeland {£5.99}
{it’s too late to order these for the Diamond Jubilee, but this would be a fun party favor for an Olympics celebration…and can be made at home with small Mason jars, homemade jam and British-themed toppers and twine}

Union Jack Baker’s Twine, Not on the High Street {$7.42}

British Cupcake Kit, Meri Meri {$12.95}

The Loo Bathroom Sign, Shabby Sign Shop

Hand-decorated Kids Reclaimed Vintage Chairs, Mama Lilly {£85-200}

Union Jack Dresser, Miss Mustard Seed

Classic Union Jack Telephone, Present Finder {£49.99}

Strawberry Trifle Dessert, The Girl Who Ate Everything

{images via Cambridge News, Naomi Kenton, French Connection, Rosenberry Store, Bip & Bop, Stay Gold Mary Rose, Shabby Sign Shop, Not on the High Street, Hunter, Lakeland, Meri Meri, Mama Lally, Present Finder, Asos, Miss Mustard Seed, The Girl Who Ate Everything}