Gifts under $25

Happy December! We started decorating for the holidays last week and today during half time of the football game (Roll Tide!) we are going to decorate our tree! It's officially Christmas time!!

Here are a few things I'm loving that would make perfect stocking stuffers or small gift for a friend. All are under $25!

1. Bliss Hand Cream - $18.00 

2. Gold Polka Dot PJs - $24.99

3. Black and Crystal Bangle - $20.00

4. Orly Luxe Nail Polish - $5.38 - Recently picked this up - it's a great gold!

5. OPI Skyfall Nail Polish - $8.00

6. Slipper Socks - $15.00 - an updated version on my favorite!

7. Minted Rose Lip Balm - $7.00 - This has been on my wish list for awhile!!

8. Personalized Chevron Note Cards - $10.00

9. Tartan Scarf - $14.99 - What a great price for such a classic piece!

Lessons + Ramblings

Thanks for the happy comments on yesterdays post and closet cleaning ideas! I am still just so excited about getting to go back to work. You may think it's super glamorous to be unemployed (does anyone actually think this?) and get to "sleep in".. but I don't get to sleep in. My dog wakes me up and either wants to go outside, eat, or play - or all three.. The not wearing makeup thing has been pretty nice for my pores, and making my makeup last longer, but basically even though I have moments of brilliance in the domestic goddess world (made this for dinner tonight for the second time - super yum!), I'm really more of a working girl. You can remind me of this in about 3-5 years when the idea of kids comes around. LOL.

I took 2 big bags full of clothes to Good Will yesterday. Random sharing moment- our coat closet also doubles as a Good Will closet where we put items we don't need in hiding and "on hold" and see if we miss them. Since we just moved I had a bag of clothes already put aside in this magical closet so I simply added to it (haven't missed them). I even went nuts and pitched 13 pairs of underwear!! Ok, possibly too much information, but those free panty coupons at Victoria's Secret always seem awesome at the time, but now that I have a washer and dryer and do laundry weekly, ill fitting panties are no good and just take up space. 

So that feels good. I'm also much more in tune to what items could help round out my work wardrobe and relearned the lesson that while buying a top that is on sale at Target may seem like a good idea, it's probably something that will get worn a few times and then head on it's way to Good Will in a year or so. I'm hoping I will continue to be a much more savvy shopper. I also need to be more careful with drying things to death (I'm talking to you F21 inexpensive tshirts. I got rid of all 3 I purchased this year. Dang.) and in general buying crap quality clothes that don't last.

Like a sick person, I went shopping as soon as I left Good Will. I went to Old Navy and picked up that scarf I've been drooling. over. (and thinking about dozens of ways to wear) when I only saw 2 left.. as well as this cardigan in gray. Today I was on a mission for black pants. I have one shrunken (see dryer comment / lesson above) pair that can still pass as skinny black pants with longer tops and cardigans, and a pair I got in undergrad for sorority recruitment which is currently 4 sizes too big (fits more like 2 sizes bigger, probably thanks to my drying skills). I went to Express with a coupon (+ military discount!) and came home with an appropriately sized pair of awesome black pants!

I would love a handful of dressy-esque tops and possibly some classic button up shirts, but that will have to wait. Now that my closet is under control and I've washed and neatly folded work tops I'm feeling one step closer to starting work on Monday! Now about cleaning the house before the in-laws visit...

J Crew pencil skirt: look for less

I think just about everyone has dreamed about owning a J Crew pencil skirt (no? just me? ok fine. I dream about owning a J Crew pencil skirt). Wonderful fabric, fit, and the best part - the colors!!! See it worn by other bloggers here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Target has an inspired by look for less - different material, but very similar color at a fraction of the price!!

(left, right)

Black is the new.. black

Y'all! When I went to Target to check out Jason Wu (I bought this top - everything else I was interested in was sold out!) I fell more in love with Mossimo's black and white line!

1. Embroidered dress - $24.99 - I tried this on, but it didn't fit my body the right way. Just slightly off. Love the embroidered detail though!!

2. Skirt with belt - $22.99 - I picked this up right away!! I was eyeing this skirt at J Crew in black, but couldn't stand to pay that much money! This sits at the waist and will be perfect for tucking in shirts!

3. Belted dress - $24.99 - I just barely resisted purchasing this dress! It felt a little too similar to a Gap dress I got this fall, however the Target dress is a light cotton so better for summer. The length is also work appropriate. Gosh I like this dress!! Maybe when it goes on sale??

4. Embroidered scalloped tank - $19.99 - Looks very pretty in person!!

5. Tunic with crochet trim - $24.99 - This was my other purchase from this line. I debated getting the belted dress instead, but I don't really have a tunic, and on me I would be able to tuck the bottom into pants for a different look. This may become a swim suit cover up too! Love it.

6. Lace shoulder knit top - $17.99 - I didn't even try this on because I was pretty sure I'd fall in love and wouldn't be able to resist. Will be eyeing this one for awhile too!

Sadly it's hard to see the intricate details from these pictures, but I highly recommend going to the store and taking a look!!

Jason Wu for Target

The newest Target launch arrives today! Jason Wu, the designer most well known for dressing Michelle Obama, has paired with Target to create a new collection at affordable Target-like prices! Apparently everything is under $60. Here are some pieces from the lookbook that caught my eye!

I think this line has a lot more universal appeal than Missoni, but that's just me.

Will you be heading to Target today??

Lunch Time Shopping

It's Friday (like you didn't already know this..)!! Bring on the weekend!! YES!

On my lunch hour I stopped by Target and was thrilled to see so many beauties on clearance!!!

1. & 3. Micro Rib Tank - $9.00 - OK this isn't on sale, but comes in great colors!
2. Cecila Woven Skirt - $13.48
4. Lila Sleeveless Top - $11.48
5. Morgan Knit Top - $11.48

Hopefully you will have the good fortune of finding this perfect work skirt at your Target! $13.48!! OMG!

This beautiful eggplant scarf is also on clearance! $6.48!

Productive lunch hour!

Two Target Picks!

I'm hearing a lot of buzz about this wallet friendly dress from Target! For $24.99 it's trendy, work friendly and can be dressed up or down!

Readers, meet the Mossimo Pleated Zip Back Dress:

Shown in: Purple Play, Hot Orange and Jade

While I was getting my hair done the other day, the hair dresser (is this a politically correct term?) next to me was wearing these super cute patent heals! She said they were pretty comfy, and I'm inclined to trust her since she is on her feet all day!

Mossimo Prue Heeled Platform Sandal - $29.99

What do you think? 

Merona Trapunto Dress

This time of year is pretty exciting because everyone is just about sick of the snow and cold weather, but the fashion world is quickly gearing up for spring! I love "window shopping" online and looking at all the fun new spring pieces! It really helps me get over my winter funk!

Today I spent some time looking at Target and was so excited when I came across this dress! It seems like the last 3 (at least!?) spring collections have included this dress or something very, very close! I have a version of this dress in a royal blue from at least 3 years ago? I'm not even sure how old it is! I love it though because for some reason it is the easiest thing to add pieces to and get a completely different look! Some pieces are just easier to wear than others, ya know?

Trust me, if you like how this dress fits, it will quickly become a staple in your wardrobe! It's dressy enough for work (for most places!) and casual enough that it's perfect for the weekend, a girls lunch, a bbq, or even as a swim suit cover up if you wish! OK I may be day dreaming about warmer weather activities here..FOCUS!

Here are the 4 colors this year, in addition to brown ("Spanish Brown") and black ("Ebony"):

Swimmers Blue, Haywire Purple, Aqua, & Cactus Green

Styling suggestions:
A typical rule of thumb I try to follow - if a dress comes with a belt - don't use it as a belt. Maybe that's me being snobby, but generally speaking the item will like SO much better if you use your own belt with it! One way to make use of that extra piece of fabric (if you just hate to throw away a good piece of.. belt?) is to wear it as a headband or make it into a bracelet - heck, use it to decorate a present - just don't use it as a belt... you can do better!

This dress pairs really nicely with leggings, boots and a sweater during the cooler temperatures! Also try wearing a long sleeve shirt under it, or even a button up! With the scoop neck, there is just enough room for a collar to peek out, and it's cute!

Want one more reason why you should check out this dress? It's $24.99 people! Whether you go for a neutral brown or black, or one of the fun colors, at least give it a try! Every time I wear mine I get compliments and people are shocked  that it came from Target.

Have I won you over? Let us know if you try it on and what you think!

P.S. If I seem a little unusually sarcastic and enthusiastic, I blame it on Fashion Police - I watched it for the first time last night (I know!) and loved Joan's take no prisoners attitude!