Mid-Month Deals

| Coat - TJMaxx | 

I recently purchased three winter coats - yes, three - and two out of the three were from TJMaxx.  First, let me say, that I've only had heavy fall coats masked as winter coats and after the Snowpocolypse last winter, I am SO not making that mistake again.  I was in the market for a puff jacket that covered my bum and had a hood, and a nice winter coat (I had passed on a Michael Kors burgundy number with black leather sleeves and wanted something similar).  I found a Michael Kors navy jacket with a belt and a hood with fur lining for $120 (the North Face ones tend to be $180 more) and a Marc New York Marc Jacobs Black coat with leather around the elbows and an asymmetrical zipper.  I'm in love!  Of course, I found a camel peacoat at Old Navy and was suckered in.

But this long monologue is to point out that there are some AWESOME coats for sale at TJMaxx - high quality, very in style, and relatively inexpensive.  And what's even better?  You can now go to TJMaxx in the comfort of your own home!  Obviously, you won't be able to find those unique one-of-a-kind pieces that just happen to pop up in the shop, but they have a great selection.  Check it out :)

Office Toga Party

| Dress - ModCloth | Similar | Shoes - TJMaxx | Similar |

When I saw this dress on ModCloth's website, I knew it was perfect for my work life.  I love dresses that drape like togas, the whole Grecian look, but that's not always the best dress to wear at the work place.  This takes the scandal away while still giving me the look I love.  Plus it's super comfy.

Salmon

[Coat - TJMaxx; Pants - Target; Shoes - DSW]

YAYYYYY!!! The weather is finally getting warmer and there is no snow on the ground!  I'm so excited to just be outside - I don't even need to be doing anything.  I just want to see bright colors and have windows rolled down.  I'm obsessed with this bright salmon trench.  It definitely puts me in the mood for sunny weather :)

Stepford

[Button Down - Gap; Dress - Anthropologie; Pumps - TJMaxx]

This dress is my favorite dress in the world.  It was a dress that took me out of a rather dark time in my life.  Of course, I got it when I was maybe a little heavier, so seeing as it's a strapless and I have yet to get it tailored, I wear it as a skirt.  This outfit makes me feel like Grace Kelly in Stepford.  And that's ok!

Do you have an item of clothing that you purchased to make yourself feel better?

Girly Military

[Blouse, Tank & Tights - Target; Necklace - Kohl's; Skirt - TJMaxx; Heels - Payless]

When I saw this army green top, I just knew I had to have it and exactly what I would wear with it.  I saw a pic pinned of an army green blouse and a lace pencil skirt - so tough and romantic at the same time!  The weather is getting nicer too, so between the new top and the 50 degrees, I was ecstatic.  Not to mention I got to get Indian food right after this.  I'm in love.

Would you try mixing tough with soft in an outfit?

Green with Envy

[Top - TJMaxx; Pants & Shoes - Target; Gold Pave Chain Bracelet - J.Crew Factory]

I've had this shirt for a couple of years now and it's become quite the staple in my wardrobe.  I love the color, the material is super soft, is hard to wrinkle and washes well, and the back detail is the best!  My biggest recommendation is hit up your local TJMaxx, Ross, Marshall's, etc. and see if you can find a romantic blouse that isn't your typical Oxford blouse (I get so sick of those in the workplace).  The one thing I've had to learn with this shirt is to not play it safe.  The fancy cheetah flats were a step out of my comfort zone but I love how they look with this outfit.  Breaking up two things that normally wouldn't go together (teal and cheetah) with basic black really helps!

I've Found What I've Been Lookin' For

[Sweater - TJMaxx; T-Shirt - American Eagle; Necklace - Lou Lou; Jeans - Express; Boots - Aerosoles]

I have been on the look out for certain sweaters this season.  I'm asking for a white cableknit for Christmas.  I am on the look out for certain sweaters with fun prints.  One day I will get my hands on the perfect ugly Christmas sweater.  And I wanted a perfect tan, chunky, cableknit cardigan.  Dear TJMaxx, you always pull through.  I think I could wear it every day.

In other news: on our excursion to Alexandria, I discovered my first Lou Lou's Boutique.  I fell in love.  I decided not to buy the whole store, but I'm pretty sure the boyfriend thought there was a possibility of that happening.  This red bauble necklace was one of my purchases and worth every penny.  I think I could take one in every color (I also have one in blue, a turquoise translucent gem one, and purchased a pearl one the same day) and have been browsing the website daily thinking of what my jewelry collection is going to look like.  I know what's going on the birthday wishlist this coming year! (Hear that?  Spoiled me thinking of April birthday wishlists... SHEESH!)

Bundle of Joy

[Headband - Gift, Scarf - Aldo, Coat - TJMaxx, Jeans - Target, Boots - L.L. Bean]

I hate winter and going out in the snow, but I have found the necessary elements to make it better.

1. Covering my ears - If there is one thing that hurts me when I'm outside it's my ears.  I mean they actually hurt inside when it's super cold out.  Even when I run, I'm pretty good if my ears are covered.  My mom bought me this adorable headband with the flower and I'm in love.  I have about 5 more in various colors and styles, from ornate like this one, to simple.  They're the perfect functional accessary.

2. Infinity Scarves are the best invention ever - I'm always warm and it's much easier to hide my face in an infinity scarf than a pashmina.  I'm really into this one especially because it's the warmest thing!

3. TJMaxx is the best place to find a cheap and stylish winter coat - I nabbed this baby for $25 last year.  It's cute, pretty warm, and you can find me anywhere.  I'm the girl in the red coat.  So if I venture more than 5 feet from my house/car into a blustery snowstorm, I will be found!

4. Find an old pair of jeans that you don't mind getting gross - One year, when I was rather young, I decided I would get rid of all the clothing I didn't wear anymore and I deeply regretted it.  I learned my lesson and I'm continuing to keep these ugly gems (maybe they were cute once?  I don't know, I hate them... they're so unflattering) for gross days.

5. Duck Boots are the best boots ever - I'm so glad I purchased these (even though they're a little large) because they're great for snow and rain but they're much cuter than regular snow boots and more sturdy than rainboots.  I'm really thinking of getting the taller ones for the deeper snows that I hope I never experience.

Also - snowballs are a must.  Sorry, Boyfriend!

Black & White & Red in Some Places

[Top - TJMaxx; Cami, Jeans & Clutch - Target; Heels - Ross]

This was the first shirt I bought when the peplum trend emerged.  Not only was it risky because of the new trend, the crochet pattern and the low back made it more special.  I love this shirt though for how fancy it looks (and trust me it's not).  I don't care what anyone says - white after Labor Day is fun :)

Butterfly Boucher - 1 Dress 3 Ways

[First Outfit: Dress & Necklace - LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's; Ribbon Belt - Own; Shoes - J.Crew ; Hat - TJMaxx]
[Second Outfit: Dress as Shirt - LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's; Skirt - J.Crew; Shoes - Steve Madden; Necklace - Target]
[Third Outfit: Dress as Shirt - LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's; Cami & Shoes - Target; Blazer - Express; Jeans - Levi's at TJMaxx; Necklace - The Loft]

I purchased this dress with the sole purpose to wear it to work.  Pretty & flirty, it was conservative enough to wear and I was looking for dresses I could wear without blazers or cardigans.  But after lots of wear and washing, regardless of the water temperature and air drying, it just seemed to get shorter and shorter.  I have long legs and dresses tend to ride up easily so there I was at work realizing that if I wore this dress another time, I'd be on the blacklist.  But my heart loves this dress & I refuse to give up so easily.  While I still wear the dress to church and brunches, I continue to wear it as a shirt to work.  It looks great with many different kinds of skirts - this one I had worn to work (hence the nice creasing in the skirt... I'm working on fixing that).  I can also wear it out for a dinner date with jeans when I tie it up in the back and hide it behind a blazer.  Even the under slip I wear as a nightgown.  Mission Accepted & Complete.

1 Skirt 2 Ways: Aztec

I love trends.  I don't love buying something super cute, super trendy, something I love and will always covet but then can't wear because it's out of style... and I wore it twice. So one of the games I play when I do take the plunge and buy the trendy thing I love, is see what I can wear with the outfit.  Then I do a dance and finally decide when to exit the house in said outfits...

Casual Day Look:

[Top, Purse & Booties - Target; Bangle Bracelets - Kohl's; Skirt - Express]

Going Out At Night Look:

[Top - TJMaxx; Purse & Heels - Strawberry; Skirt - Express]

I Live On a Farm and Dress for the Club Right In Front of My Brother's PickUp Look:

Maybe next time I'll wear knee-high stiletto boots, leather leggings, and pose next to the goat.

Uniform

 

[Shirt, Skirt, & Shoes - Target; Sunnies - TJMaxx; Purse - Payless; Bracelet - Kohl's; Necklace - Simply Charming Boutique; Ring - 3 10 Rosemont]

If I had a uniform in the time between Spring & Summer/Summer & Fall, it would be chambray, bows, lace, booties, aviators, and mint.  See - this outfit.  If there was a place I would get this uniform it would definitely be Target.  But we already know this, right?  

And to go along with my uniform... I had to do a jumping picture.  I just really like it.  That and ice cream.  Clearly.  Boyfriend liked the car and thought it was picture worthy.  So this is for the one male who frequents this blog (himself).