New Finds from J. Crew

Sometimes, you just have to treat yourself to a little shopping spree at the Outlets.

The J.Crew Factory Store is arguably one of my biggest weaknesses. I can do a LOT of damage there, so trips to the store require self-control and a budget.

Here's what I picked up when I stopped by earlier in the week.

1) This striped dress in a linen-cotton blend is perfect for a gal on the go.  It's easy to throw on and dress up or dress down, depending on where you're headed. I'm thinking it will make a guest appearance as my 4th of July outfit :)

It's sold out online, but here are some other similar effortless dress options.

2) I love this color, and I love to layer sheer sweaters in the summer. I think it will be cute with some white pants, and maybe a gold sandal. Or.... I really love this color paired with navy. Want it? Get it here.

3) Stripes are a summer essential, and a good cardi should never be passed up. This summer weight knit material is perfect to throw on when the temp cools down after a day out in the sun. Want it? Get it here.

Color Me Polka Dotted.

I love polka dots... and so I love that all of my favorite brands are including them in their fall collections this year. (Seriously so excited!)

I pulled some of my favorite spotted samples to share with you. Enjoy!

Tippi Sweater, J. Crew, $89.50

Collection Cashmere Polka Dot Sweater, J.Crew, $268

Polka-Dot Full-Skirt Dress, The Limited, $118

Polka-Dot Sheath Dress, The Limited, $98

Print Jegging Ankle, American Eagle, $29.99

Lace Dot Tank, American Eagle, $24.95

Maria Dress, Kate Spade, $398

Le Pavillion iPhone Case, Kate Spade, $40

On the Dot iPhone Cover, Kate Spade, $35

Which is your favorite polka dotted piece? 

Loves Me Knot

Some days, I like to go casual. Believe it or not, I am a huge fan of bummin' it. Sweats, shorts, loose tops, and messy hair are all in my comfort zone.

When I'm home on the weekends and need to run some errands, I often don't want (am too lazy) to change out of my comfy clothes.

Alas, I am problem solver. Adding a statement accessory effortlessly elevates the look.

Last Sunday, I found myself in this situation. I had on a cozy J. Crew sweatshirt and gym shorts. It was little too suspect/the morning after/SWF for running errands. To make it more appropriate, I swapped the gym shorts for white shorts, and added a statement knot necklace.

Allow me to clarify.. it's totally fine to bum it, and run errands in gym clothes. I do it often. But on those days when I feel like making a shlumpy outfit look a little less shlumpy, this is how I do it.

Make it your own:
Sweatshirt: J. Crew, $39.99
Shorts: J. Crew, $45
Necklace: Target
Sandals: Rainbow (in Espresso), $48.95
Bracelet: Gift (hand made beading from Africa!)

Happy Tuesday, peeps.

My Happy Medium: Errand Duty!

So... not everyday can be as fabulous as I'd like it to be in the wardrobe department. It's a sad reality.

On days when I have a bunch of errands to run & things to do around town, I'm not about to traipse around in a pencil skirt and my favorite platform pumps. On that same token, I don't like using it as an excuse to run all over Baltimore county in sweats. There has to be a happy medium, right?

I like to think so.

Here is what I wore last week on my To-Do List Day. Not as "shlumpy" as sweats and a tee, but not as nice as a dress and flats. It's a happy medium, a compromise-- if you will.

((Also.. my outfit is entirely from the J.Crew factory store. Great deals there this time of year, right after the holidays!))

This sweatshirt has a small size zipper, only on the left side. Fun feature :)

I really loved how the side zipper showcased the feminine polka dot pattern underneath.

Flats with glitter at the tip. I refer to them as "Twinkle Toes"

Make it your own:

Polka Dot Tee: $24.50

Sweatshirt: $24.99 (Similar; My sweatshirt is a bit different with the zipper; couldn't find online) 

Jeans: Matchstick, $59.50

Flats: $69.50 (Similar; My flats were on clearance; couldn't find them online)

P.S. Thanks @ChrisMinMD for allowing me to borrow his car which provided a much more lovely backdrop than then leafless trees in my backyard.