A quick celeb-inspired look...

I caught a peek at this pic of Vanessa Hudgens in Hawaii and I knew I had to share it with you. I am totally diggin' her Ikat print bikini, but since it's from Trina Turk, each piece retails for about $40+. Neiman Marcus actually has a one-piece cutout suit on sale for $49, you can find it here (what a steal)!

Now, $49 is a pretty good deal, and even the full price designer suit isn't too shabby, but if you're like me and enjoy buying numerous suits each season, spending almost $90 on just one suit isn't going to work. Forever 21 has a really similar Ikat Bikini, for around $21! 

If you want to complete her super boho look, add a chunky necklace like this:

Maybe some bangles:

And you're set! Rock that suit with the confidence you've been hiding behind bulky clothes all winter. 

Soak up the sun (with SPF of course)!

I'll admit, I would absolutely LOVE to own a pair of designer heels. Or carry a designer bag on my perfectly manicured hand while a Tiffany charm bracelet delicately dangles from my wrist. The reality of that is though, is, that will probably never happen. I'm not going to cry about it though because I truly believe you can LOOK the part without breaking the bank. Plus, I'm one of those people that has an anxiety attack just about every time I go shopping, so saving me a mental breakdown is probably a good thing. ;)

I occasionally browse Neiman Marcus's website and drool over their shoes, bags, and gowns. Then guess what I do...head over to my go-to websites and try to find similar styles for cheaper. A lot cheaper. Living in [extremely] rural Upstate New York, my efforts will usually go unnoticed, but I don't care-this is what I love doing, it's my passion, and I truly believe that shoes can change your life. 

Right?

Anyways, I wanted to show you, my lovely lusties, my proof. That even though you may think a certain shoe is out of your price range-it's not. There's usually a similar shoe out there that you can wear to your heart's content without freaking out that they'll get ruined or lost (and yes, I've lost LOTS of shoes, I'm still mourning the loss of the PURRFECT pair of black suede heels from Payless!). 

Here is a pair of Brian Atwood Suede Colorblock Pumps, which retail for about $350:

(gorgeous, right?)

Now, here's a pair of Ami Clubwear Fuschia Faux Suede Pumps, which retail for $31.99:

Obviously, they aren't exactly the same, but they are similar in their style aspects. It's not about finding an exact "twin", it's moreso about finding something that has the same idea. Here, it's the bright colors and the color blocking (which, btw, I luuuuurve).

Moving on...

I die for this Alice + Olivia Laken Long Tank Dress, which usually retails for $440. Now, you may not be able to find a dress exactly like this, but it sure won't be hard to go another route by using separates!

Basically, all you need is a striped shirt (use horizontal stripes), a skinny belt, and a long maxi skirt. You don't have to use all black and white, it would be cute to add a pop of color in the belt or the skirt-or even the stripes of the shirt! Play around and have some fun with it! 

I'm obsessed with the color of this Chiffon Maxi Skirt from Old Navy. It's only $30 (on sale now!) and it's absolute perfection for Spring. 

The only tanks that fit me well are the Long and Lean Basic Tanks from Target. They're only $8, so I can stock up each season and buy all the colors I need. Since the skirt is so WOW!, I'm going to pair it with a neutral gray and white striped tank. 

A skinny belt from Forever 21 will complete your look. I really think the brown will be a bit more casual, which is the look I'm going for here.

You can add your own touch with your bag and your jewelry, I'd go the tribal route, but that's just me. ;)

That's all I've got for tonight, I hope that I've at least given you some inspiration to bargain hunt and realize that you totally CAN look totally put together without spending a fortune. It takes a little time, but in my eyes, it's totally worth it. Because, when you look good, you feel good, and that's what matters the most. 

'Tis all...

My love for Old Navy!

(I'm not even going to acknowledge the fact that I haven't updated since November. I feel bad, but we were supes busy planning the wedding and traveling to MN/IA for J's leave. I'm back, and I really want to be more involved. We'll see how long that lasts, but I'm here now and that's all that matters, right?)

I have a renewed sense of love for Old Navy (not just for their 10% off Military Mondays or awesome online coupons-check 'em out), and when I was in there yesterday, I found SO MANY cute things. I tried on about half the store but only left with one thing (clearance sweater for $8.99-BOOYAH). Couldn't stop thinking about the things I tried on but didn't buy, so what'd I do? Hopped online to take a second glance, only to realize they were offering 30% off until today only. So then what'd I do? Order all the stuff I loved...and more. Shhh...don't tell my husband. Totally justifiable though since we're taking a vacation to Charleston in March and I needed some new "spring-y" clothes. Right? Right. Moving on...

I'm seriously impressed each year when Spring lines come out. I feel so refreshed to see bright colors and patterns, it really makes my heart happy. I especially love how this year, Old Navy took classic pieces and incorporated new colors to give them new life. Burlap covered flats with a neon yellow toe, shirtdresses in fuschia, and bright red denim jeans. I love how spring's fashions mimic nature-flowers blooming and the sun shining.

Let's dive right in, I'm anxious to show you my new faves!

Not only did they have a TON (if not all) of winter coats on clearance, they also had just brought in their new (and I LOVE to say this), LIGHTWEIGHT jackets! Springtime means no more bundling up, no wearing 14 layers, no heavy scarves, nothing. You can totally get away with a light jacket and galoshes. I really love these Cropped Trench Coats, and am especially obsessed with the "Dayglow Dina"-I mean, seriously, how perfect is that color for Spring? It's fitted, it's got cute bottoms...it's got everything. And at $39.94, how can you NOT snatch that up?

I totally bought this chambray shirt after staring at it online for awhile. I think it's the perfect top for our trip, because I can either pair it with my white jean shorts (that I live in during the summer) or jeans. It will look fab with either. Orrr, if I'm really feeling sassy, I can throw on one of my bodycon skirts and tie the shirt at the waist. Totally 80's, but totally awesome.

Ok seriously, how CUTE are these little birds on this charmeuse blouse?! The print isn't too overwhelming and the birds are simple enough, but not in a crazy cat lady kinda way (they do, however, have a shirt with cats on it if you'd prefer those). Skinnies and boots will help tone down this look if you're a little hesitant.

I also bought this dolman sleeved blouse in the imperial jade color, although I really love the red stripe print. Of course, now it's on sale. facepalm. It's fitted, but still loose, and the sleeves roll up, which I really like. It's versatile enough to go from work to happy hour, so I think it's a great piece to have in your closet.

I think I'm going back next week and buying these Colored Rock Star Jeggings. I'm in love with BOTH colors, but I think I'm more of a "blue moon" type of girl. Plus, that's my favorite beer, so that's probably a sign. Ha. Once it got a little warmer, I'd pair it with a loose tank or tee. This smocked charmeuse tank would be super adorable, you could do the imperial jade if you're feeling frisky, or just stick with the cream to keep it a little more low key. Although, I'd probably do white or black, except they don't carry either. Bummeroni.

While I'm talking about POPS! of color, let me just say how utterly infatuated I am with these cap-toe canvas ballet flats. They come in both yellow and blue oracle, but the yellow is definitely my fave. I love the different textures on them. Oh, and don't even get me started on these polka dot canvas flats, they are too adorbs for words.

Is this chiffon maxi skirt not totally MAJOR?! The raspberry punch color is so pretty and I think it's absolutely perfect for spring and summer. Springtime, it can be paired with a cardi and tank, and for the summer, lose the cardi and tuck in the tank. Perfect, just perfect. I see lots of farmer's market trips wearing that and a cute straw fedora...kinda like this (love the navy too, btw).

I would go through each dress that I love, but I seriously love them all. The prints, the shapes, the colors, EVERYTHING. I'm so in love and can't wait until this frozen tundra melts and I can actually step outside without freezing my toes off.

Before I finish (mostly because my kid is singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and it's the cutest thing, EVAR), I want to highlight one. last. thing. A scarf. That has the most beautiful combination of red, navy, and white. It's so wonderfully nautical, and just...perfect for your inner prep. And it's only $14.94, so there's really no reason why you SHOULDN'T be buying it. Check it out here. You're welcome.

I hope I've turned some new people on to Old Navy, and I HIGHLY encourage you to go to your nearest one and check them out. Happy shopping! :)